Lintel Design for Wind Loads

A lintel is like a little bridge over your window or door. It holds up the heavy bricks above while also fighting against hurricane winds trying to push it in or suck it out.

12' Max Span
8" Min Bearing
L4x4 Steel Angle
Lintel Type Comparison
Steel Angle
Up to 6'
Bond Beam
Up to 12'
Precast
Up to 10'
6 ft
Max Span
4 in
Min Bearing
L4x4x1/4
Size

Lintel Types

Different openings need different lintels. Here is when to use each type in Palm Beach County masonry construction.

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Steel Angle

Hot-rolled steel L-shape
  • Best forSmall openings
  • Max span6 feet
  • Common sizeL4x4x1/4
  • Bearing4" minimum
  • InstallFast, light
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Bond Beam

Reinforced concrete in CMU
  • Best forLarger spans
  • Max span12 feet
  • Rebar#5 bars typical
  • Bearing8" minimum
  • InstallCast in place
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Precast

Factory-made concrete
  • Best forRepetitive use
  • Max span10 feet
  • Depth8" typical
  • Bearing6" minimum
  • InstallCrane lift

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about masonry lintels in hurricane zones.

What is a lintel in masonry construction?
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A lintel is a horizontal support that spans across the top of a door or window opening in a masonry wall. It carries the weight of the bricks or blocks above the opening. In Florida, lintels also must resist wind loads pushing in and pulling out during hurricanes.
What types of lintels work best for hurricane zones?
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Three main types work in Palm Beach County: steel angle lintels for smaller openings up to 6 feet, reinforced concrete bond beams for spans up to 12 feet, and precast concrete lintels for repetitive applications. Each must be sized for both dead load (masonry weight) and wind load.
How far should a lintel extend past the opening?
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Lintels need bearing length on each side of the opening. Minimum is typically 4 inches for steel angles and 8 inches for concrete lintels. In high wind zones, engineers often specify 12 inches or more to handle lateral forces and prevent pullout during negative pressure cycles.
Do masonry lintels need to be connected to the wall above?
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Yes, especially in hurricane zones. Steel lintels need welded anchors or straps tying them to bond beams above. Concrete lintels should have reinforcing bars extending into the wall. These connections prevent the lintel from displacing when wind pressure reverses between positive and negative.

Calculate Your Lintel Requirements

Get precise lintel specifications for any opening size. PE-stamped calculations available.

Calculate Wind Loads View Pricing