Rusted Lintel Replacement

Lintels perform a core function in supporting brickwork above the doors and windows in a building.

Many older buildings in Perth were constructed before the Galvanising process, and there was no requirement under the relevant building by-laws at that time.

Living near the ocean is gorgeous, but the salty air has a big impact on the old painted lintels. As a result, large numbers of Perth homes have rusted, unstable lintels that need to be replaced. Does that include you?

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Why are rusted lintels so bad?

Rust occupies many times the volume of the steel it displaces, and a rusting lintel is capable of lifting several dozen courses of bricks above it. This can cause cracks above doors or windows, sagging brickwork, or gaps forming where they shouldn’t. A failing lintel puts pressure on the surrounding brickwork and, left untreated, can lead to serious structural damage.

Galvanised vs older lintels

Most lintels installed today are galvanised, and a galvanised lintel can span 50+ years, depending on how exposed your home is to the elements. Eg, homes closer to the coast will generally see more wear than those further inland.

Older lintels are usually plain steel rather than galvanised. How they age also comes down to location: homes around 80 years old will typically start showing visible signs of rust, while some 1990s-era homes may show no signs for years yet. Rust is a slow-moving process, but left unchecked it will eventually cause structural issues.

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Things to look for

The old painted lintels have a lifespan of around 30 years, but can fail sooner in our salty air. Some things that may indicate a rusted/failing lintel:

Cracks forming above doors or windows
Stepped cracking in brickwork near openings
Bowing or sagging bricks
Gaps between brickwork and window frames
Rust stains on brickwork
Doors or windows sticking or becoming hard to open

Frequently Asked Questions about

Lintel replacement

How long will it last?

Galvanised lintels can last 50+ years, depending on your home’s location and exposure to the weather. Older, non-galvanised steel lintels typically last around 30 years, and homes around 80 years old will often start showing visible rust, though some 1990s homes may show no signs for years yet.

Why didn't I notice this sooner?

Lintels sit hidden above your doors and windows doing their job quietly for decades. Rust is slow-moving, so most people don’t think about their lintels at all until cracking shows up in the brickwork or a door starts sticking, by which point it’s usually been building for a while.

Mortarfix - local expertise you can trust

Brickwork behaves differently depending on climate, age, and materials.

Mortarfix has been serving the Perth Metro region for 40+ years, and understands the local climate and conditions that affect your brick work. We know how intense sun, rain, coastal air, and time affect mortar in Perth, and bring that expertise into every project.

You’ll get honest advice, clear communication, and workmanship you can rely on.