Your brick walls may look strong on the surface—but what lies above your windows and doors could be the weak point you never thought to inspect. Lintels are one of the most critical structural elements in masonry construction, yet they’re often the first to fail due to age, rust, or poor installation.
At JV Deco, we specialize in lintel replacement in Montreal, offering safe, efficient, and code-compliant services that protect your home’s structure and prevent costly damage. If you’ve noticed cracks above your windows or bricks sagging outward, your lintels may be telling you it’s time to act.
What Is a Lintel and Why Is It So Important?
A lintel is a horizontal support beam—usually made of steel, concrete, or stone—installed above windows and doors in masonry walls. Its job is simple but essential: carry the load of the bricks above the opening and distribute it evenly to prevent collapse.
Over time, lintels in Montreal homes are exposed to:
- Moisture, especially when hidden behind bricks
- Freeze-thaw cycles that cause rust and expansion
- Improper flashing or lack of weep holes, trapping water inside
When a lintel fails, it can compromise both the structural stability and the weatherproofing of your wall.
Common Signs You Need a Lintel Replaced
Not sure if you need a new lintel? Here are some of the most common warning signs we see in the field:
Step cracks above windows or doors
These are diagonal or staircase-shaped cracks in the brick, often indicating that the lintel is no longer supporting the load.
Sagging bricks
If the masonry above your window is drooping or bowing outward, the lintel may be rusted or corroded.
Rust stains or flaking paint near openings
Visible rust is a major red flag—especially with steel lintels embedded in brick.
Water infiltration around frames
A failing lintel can allow water to bypass the building envelope, leading to mold, rot, and insulation damage.
Why Lintel Failure Is a Serious Structural Problem
Ignoring a compromised lintel doesn’t just lead to cosmetic cracks—it can cause:
- Partial or full wall collapse
- Window and door misalignment
- Interior water damage
- Reduced property value
In fact, in older homes in areas like Westmount, Plateau-Mont-Royal, and NDG, we often find lintels that haven’t been inspected or replaced in decades, even though the surrounding brick may look intact.
Our Lintel Replacement Process at JV Deco
We approach each project with care, precision, and decades of field experience. Here’s how our typical masonry lintel replacement process works:
1. Assessment & Structural Diagnosis
We inspect not only the lintel but also the condition of the surrounding brick, flashing, mortar joints, and support areas. If the damage has spread, we’ll recommend repointing or brick replacement as part of the solution.
2. Safe Dismantling of Brickwork
Our team removes the brick course above the lintel without damaging the surrounding facade. We use specialized hand tools and support systems to prevent collapse during the removal.
3. Removal of the Damaged Lintel
Whether it’s a rusted steel angle iron or cracked concrete lintel, we remove it entirely and check for water damage in adjacent materials.
4. Installation of the New Lintel
We install a new galvanized steel lintel, stone, or custom concrete unit, depending on the structure and aesthetic needs of the property. We ensure proper slope, load-bearing alignment, and drainage.
5. Waterproofing & Flashing
This is where many older lintels fail. We install flashing and weep systems to keep water out and extend the lifespan of the structure.
6. Reconstruction of the Brickwork
We relay the original bricks whenever possible, using matching mortar and traditional masonry techniques to preserve your home’s appearance.
7. Final Inspection & Cleanup
We ensure the lintel is structurally sound, water-tight, and cleanly integrated into the surrounding masonry. The site is cleaned, and a follow-up plan is provided for ongoing maintenance.
Case Study: Rusted Lintel Replacement in Plateau-Mont-Royal
A homeowner contacted us after noticing stair-step cracks and water stains above their second-floor windows. The bricks were sagging slightly, and water had begun to infiltrate the interior plaster.
Upon inspection, we found:
- Severely rusted steel lintels
- Improper flashing that trapped water behind the brick
- Crumbling mortar and brick above the opening
Our solution:
- Removed and replaced three rusted lintels with new galvanized steel units
- Installed new flashing and installed weep holes to allow drainage
- Rebuilt the brick facade using the original units to preserve visual continuity
Outcome:
The home’s facade was restored, water issues were resolved, and the client avoided much costlier repairs that would have followed had the structure continued to degrade.
Why Choose JV Deco for Lintel Replacement in Montreal?
With years of experience across the Montreal region, JV Deco is your trusted choice for masonry lintel replacement and structural brickwork. We’ve worked on heritage properties, duplexes, triplexes, and commercial buildings, always delivering quality and safety.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Expert Structural Assessment – We don’t just patch—we diagnose.
- Skilled Masons – Trained in traditional and modern lintel methods.
- Durable Materials – Galvanized steel, concrete, and stone, built to last.
- Respect for Heritage – Seamless brick reintegration on older homes.
- Fully Licensed & Insured – RBQ compliant, with a proven track record.
Book Your Lintel Inspection Today
If you suspect a problem above your windows or doors, don’t wait. Structural failures can happen gradually—or all at once. Get ahead of the issue with a trusted team of experts.
Call JV Deco at (514) 889-7947 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a professional inspection.
JV Deco – Trusted masonry experts for lintel replacement in Montreal. We protect what holds your walls together.
