Lintel over window

We've had so much to do recently that I haven't had too much time to update this blog. We're working 9 hour days on the weekend so no rest for us and the list of jobs keeps rising! I've got so many thoughts on the project swimming around in my head, it's going to be good for me to reflect on what we've achieved so far and I hope it's of interest!

We didn't have a lintel over our lounge window and being 30 odd years old and made of aluminium they are in desperate need of modernising. 

Phil found an ingenious solution to implementing a lintel which doesn't involve brick removal, acro jacks or steel / concrete. It's called Helifix and is being used by a lot of councils now as a more efficient and effective introduction for lintel. We used the Helibeam system, it is described on their website as 

The Helibeam System uses pairs of long HeliBarsbonded into mortar to form deep masonry beams that reinforce and stabilise existing masonry while redistributing the structural loads.

It provides a rapid, cost-effective means of restoring structural integrity to buildings and structures where the masonry has failed and lost its load bearing capabilities. In combination with other Helifix ties and fixings it provides a comprehensive, reliable and economic system of repair and stabilisation for many commonly occuring structural faults.

It took a morning to put in and although it was raining was good as gold to do. You first need to chase out the mortar and then using the specialist grout, Helibond insert the helical wire. You then need to repoint with mortar. It's as simple as that and costs about £150.

Ready for new Windows.