Professional Lintel Repair
Rusting steel lintels cause "brick heaving" and structural cracks above windows and doors. Our expert replacement services restore the structural integrity of your home across McHenry and Lake County.
Rusting steel lintels forcing bricks upward and creating dangerous cracks
What is a Lintel and Why Does It Fail?
A lintel is the structural steel beam that sits above your windows and doors to support the weight of the bricks above. Over time, moisture penetrates the masonry, causing the raw steel to rust (oxidize).
As steel rusts, it expands. This expansion exerts incredible pressure on the surrounding brickwork, a process called "rust jacking." This causes bricks to heave, mortar to pop, and vertical cracks to form at the corners of your window frames.
Signs Your Lintels Need Replacement:
- Stepped or vertical cracks at the top corners of window/door frames
- Visible rust or flaking steel above the window opening
- Bricks physically shifting or 'bowing' outward above a window
- Windows that have become difficult to open or close
- Water leaks appearing inside the home above window frames
Our Repair Process
We don't just paint over the rust. We perform full structural replacements using galvanized steel and proper flashing systems.
1. Support & Removal
We safely support the brickwork above the opening, then carefully remove the surrounding bricks and the failed, rusted steel lintel without damaging the window frame.
2. Galvanized Installation
We install a new, heavy-duty prime-painted or galvanized steel lintel. Unlike the original raw steel, our replacements are engineered to resist rust for decades.
3. Flashing & Re-Bricking
We install a new waterproof flashing membrane and 'weep holes' to ensure water can escape the wall in the future. Finally, we relay the bricks with matching mortar for a seamless finish.
Protect Your Home's Structural Integrity.
Rusted lintels only get worse with time. Get a professional assessment and prevent a major masonry collapse today.
Materials We Use
Every lintel replacement uses professional-grade materials designed for long-term structural performance in Illinois weather.
Steel Angle Iron
Heavy-duty structural steel angles sized to carry the full load of brickwork above each window and door opening.
Galvanized Steel Lintels
Hot-dip galvanized steel that resists rust and corrosion for decades — unlike the raw steel in most original installations.
Epoxy Anchoring Systems
High-strength epoxy used to secure new lintels into the surrounding masonry, providing a permanent structural bond.
Waterproof Flashing Membrane
Self-adhering rubberized flashing installed over the lintel to direct water out through weep holes, preventing future rust.
Color-Matched Brick
We source replacement bricks that match your existing wall in color, texture, and size for a seamless finished appearance.
Type S Mortar
High-strength mortar rated for structural and exterior applications, color-matched to your existing joints for an invisible repair.
Common Lintel Issues We Fix
Lintel failure is one of the most common structural problems in brick homes across McHenry and Lake County. Here's what we see most often.
Rusted & Expanded Lintels
The original raw steel oxidizes and expands (rust jacking), pushing bricks outward and creating dangerous structural cracks above openings.
Cracked Headers Above Windows
Stepped or diagonal cracks radiating from the top corners of window frames — the classic sign that the lintel beneath has failed.
Brick Displacement & Heaving
Bricks physically shifting upward or bulging outward above doors and windows as the expanding rust forces them out of alignment.
Water Intrusion Through Lintels
Failed flashing or corroded lintels allow water to enter the wall cavity, causing interior leaks, mold growth, and wood rot.
Windows That Won't Open or Close
As the lintel fails and the surrounding masonry shifts, window frames become racked and misaligned, making them difficult to operate.
Multiple Lintel Failures
Homes built in the same era often have all lintels fail around the same time — we frequently replace 4-8 lintels in a single project.
Cost Expectations
Honest, upfront pricing for lintel replacement in McHenry and Lake County. Every project includes a free on-site estimate.
Single Window Lintel Replacement
Standard window opening with accessible height
Door Lintel Replacement
Wider openings require longer steel and more brick work
Multi-Lintel Project (3-5 openings)
Per-lintel cost decreases with multiple replacements
Second-Story Lintel Replacement
Additional scaffolding and access requirements
Lintel + Flashing + Brick Repair
Full replacement with waterproof flashing and color-matched brick
Emergency Structural Stabilization
Temporary shoring to prevent collapse while scheduling full repair
Prices are estimates and vary based on project scope, materials, and site conditions. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about lintel repair.
Still Have Questions?
Contact us directly — we're happy to answer any concerns about lintel repair.
Call (224) 441-5284