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?

Check out our gallery for more photos of past lintel replacement photos, or follow us on Facebook.

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.

Before

During

After

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.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 51 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Matt Carter (Wellhungover) 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing job, bricks matched perfectly. Would recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sam Watters 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nicole did an excellent job at removing an air conditioner and bricking up the wall. Her work was clean, thorough and top quality.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Harry Z 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nicole did an amazing job taking out our old aircon unit in the wall :) would highly recommend .
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nina Baillie 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Couldn't recommend Nicole more highly. She came out to fix some mortar for us and did a fantastic job. She was so lovely, easy to deal with, and really went above and beyond. Not only did she fix the area she was here for, but she found a few other little spots that needed fixing and did them too :) We're really happy with the work and wouldn't hesitate to use Mortarfix again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kerryn Coles 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nicole and her team were fantastic. Workmanship was excellent and we're very happy with the results. Definitely worth getting Mortarfix in to do the job.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   David 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thanks Nicole for the great job you did on our House.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   dave harrison 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Friendly, family-run business. Nicole responded promptly to my initial quote request & followed up with an onsite visit offering good advice with no hard sell. Quality workmanship & the site was left neat & tidy when the job was done. A great company to work with.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Roger starbuck 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nicole of Mortafix junior was terrific. She took the initial call and followed up with suggested dates which were very dependent on the weather. She arrived promptly and repointed some old limestone mortar and replaced some bricks on both sides of my house. The work was finished in less than 6 hours and the premises left clean and tidy . I am delighted with the result and can’t thank her enough. Very professional and personable  thoroughly recommend her.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Richard Elsey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The full frontage of our 26 year old home is limestone. The mortar was fretting and a multitude of gaps opening up. Mortarfix came to the rescue and did an absolutely first class thorough job.  I have no hesitation in recommending them.