TIPS FROM INSIDE THE TRADE - The Hidden Hero: Why Structural Lintels Are One of Our Core Essentials

Let me start by saying this isn’t your usual blog post. I’m not writing this to sell anything — I’m writing it to share insight about a topic that we believe to be an essential but often overlooked component part of the fenestration industry.

Speaking as someone who’s worked in this sector for decades, I’ve seen what can go wrong when installers cut corners — especially when it comes to structural support. That’s why I’m sharing the real truth about lintels: the steel (or lack of it) that quietly holds your home together safely above your beautiful new windows and doors.

Most homeowners don’t realise how important this part of the job is. But we do. And that’s why lintels sit firmly within what we call our CORE principles — the non-negotiables that every professional installation must include.

1️⃣ Compliance Isn’t Optional — It’s CORE

At Finesse, we don’t “hope for the best” when it comes to what’s above the frame.

We take full responsibility for ensuring that your installation complies with current Building Regulations — including structural stability, energy efficiency, ventilation, safety glazing, fire escape rules, and more.

And when it comes to lintels, there’s no grey area:

• If the opening isn’t properly supported, we won’t proceed.
• Not because we’re awkward — but because we’re professionals. Compliance is the baseline. It always has been & always will be.

2️⃣ We Use a Consultative Approach — Not a Sales Pitch

Every property is different. Every situation is unique. So we don’t guess, and we don’t push.

From the first conversation, our approach is consultative and considered. We ask the right questions:

• What’s currently holding up the brickwork?
• Is the installation aperture above ground level?
• Are there any signs of movement?
• Has the opening been altered before?

We take the time to assess the situation properly — so you get a solution that’s safe, suitable, and built to last.

3️⃣ The Three Lintel Solutions — And When They’re Used

We work with three main types of structural support. Each one is selected based on what your property needs — not what’s easiest or cheapest.

• 🔩 Angle Iron
  • Installed externally above the window or door
  • Supports multiple courses of brickwork
  • Typically used in older homes with inadequate existing support structures or where brick loads are significant
  • Will require scaffold if above ground


• 🟦 Flat Steel
  • A thinner, discreet steel plate packed tight under the brickwork
  • Often used where the load is lighter & the window being protected is narrower
  • Hidden from view but still delivers proper support


• 🏗️ Catnic Lintel / RSJ
  • Full structural beam for widened or new openings
  • Required when enlarging apertures or removing walls
  • Always installed with Building Control oversight

These solutions are not “optional extras.” They are selected based on engineering logic — and they form part of your CORE quotation, clearly explained and costed upfront.

4️⃣ We Follow a Clear Process — Powered by AI and Checked by Humans

To remove any doubt or inconsistency, we use a structured lintel decision flowchart to assess every installation.

It’s a logical, step-by-step system that asks:

• Are we widening the opening?
• Are there visible cracks?
• What’s the span of the window?
• How many brick courses are above?
• Is the existing support reliable?

This process is:

• ✅ First analysed by a designer on site
• ✅ Then checked by our internal AI tools
• ✅ Then verified by a qualified human surveyor during your technical survey

It ensures we make every decision with clarity, accuracy, and full compliance.

5️⃣ We Train Our People — Because Theory Alone Isn’t Enough

At Finesse, we don’t just hand out spec sheets and hope people read them. We believe in hands-on, practical training — so our team understands how lintels work, how they’re fitted, and what risks to look out for.

We’ve even built a dedicated demo area in our showroom with full-size brickwork samples, various lintel types, and real-world scenarios. You can see it for yourself — and so can our team, every time they’re in.

Whether it’s a new salesperson or a seasoned installer, we make sure everyone gets the training they need to:

• ✅ Spot risks early
• ✅ Explain solutions clearly to customers
• ✅ Install with total confidence

This is part of the CORE knowledge we pass on — and it shows in every job we complete.

6️⃣ We Install Safely — and Futureproof Your Home

Once a lintel is specified, we don’t cut corners on the installation.

• If it needs scaffolding, we arrange it properly.
• If it needs a structural beam, we bring in Building Control.
• If it needs precision packing or protection — we do it, properly.

Because this isn’t just about the job today. It’s about protecting your home for the next 10, 20, 30+ years.