we are looking for a bungalow and some we have seen have metal poles supporting the lintel over the windows inside the rooms. under the windows outside there are different bricks to rest of the house. is there a structural fault with these houses. should we buy one or does it need a full survey which is expensive. this is standard on all these particular houses.
2007-07-16 22:21:28 · 7 answers · asked by heavymetalbitch 6 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
i have come across this problem before ..this often happens when the windows have been replaced..and there are concrete gutters ...normally in cases like this the windows were what was called Cristal windows ..these were steel windows with hardwood surround ..they were very strong and could carry the weight above very easily ..normally on bungalows above the windows the guttering was constructed of concrete sections joined together ..this type of guttering was called finlock guttering ..it leaked a lot and was very heavy ..the problems started when the windows were changed ..especially the lounge windows ..as they were the biggest ..as plastic windows and softwood windows could not carry the weight ..and as the gutters were part of the structure of the property the only real way to do it is to fit windows that are shorter so as to leave enough room above to fit new lintels ...so yes there is certainly a structural fault ..it can be put right ..but its not cheap ..be warned
2007-07-17 07:23:33 · answer #1 · answered by boy boy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's quite difficult to determine without seeing a picture, but I haven't heard of that. If you can find out when the houses where built, and try and estimate if the lintels/support poles are more recent than this, then the estate agent should be accountable for answering any questions you may have, without cost. I say this because I think they are obliged to inform you of any defects there may be within the house. If they don't tell you, I would personally call their bluff by saying that I will pay a building control inspector to investigate - once they get involved and the house is not deemed legal, the agent / seller is legally bound not to sell the house. And you can go to the papers or investigation agencies to report foul play.
2007-07-16 22:41:51 · answer #2 · answered by Raging Tranny 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A lintel is used for bridging a opening and should be of sufficient load bearing to hold all that is above it without any other support if there has been any work above the lintel would have supported it and it would not be dependant on any poles etc to hold it up
2007-07-17 03:53:30 · answer #3 · answered by 808fl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you describe sound like ACRO Supports used during construction or major alterations. NOT part of the standard structure. If these are in place supporting a lintel then either considerable work is ongoing or the wall is in need of support as it is structurally unsafe.
2007-07-16 22:33:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
its got a big problem if there are poles supporting the lintels and you do need a structural survey if you are buying a house whether you are mortgaging it or not
2007-07-18 04:39:18 · answer #5 · answered by john 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The pole is supporting the lintel, so the roof doesn't cave in.
2007-07-17 00:04:29 · answer #6 · answered by Live_For_Today 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have a house with Lintel inside.......I have a computer with Intel inside
2007-07-16 22:28:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋