Residential Lintel Repair & Replacement in macomb, oakland, and wayne counties

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Lintels are steel supports installed above windows, doors, and garage openings in brick homes. They carry the weight of the masonry above these openings. Over time, moisture exposure can cause steel lintels to corrode, expand, and fail—leading to cracked brick, water intrusion, and structural damage.

Brickheads Masonry provides professional residential lintel repair and lintel replacement services designed to restore structural integrity and prevent future masonry failure.

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Brick walkway leading to a white door. Brick wall on the right. Flower pots sit to the left.

Signs Your Residential Lintels Are Failing

Homeowners often notice the following warning signs:

  • Cracked or stair-step cracking in brick above windows or doors
  • Rust stains bleeding through brick or mortar joints
  • Sagging or bowed brick courses
  • Gaps between brick and window or door frames
  • Doors or windows sticking or becoming misaligned
  • Loose or shifting bricks above openings



If these symptoms are present, the lintel is no longer properly supporting the masonry.

What Happens If Residential Lintel Damage Is Ignored

  • Progressive brick and mortar failure
  • Water intrusion behind the brick veneer
  • Accelerated corrosion of steel components
  • Damage to windows, doors, and interior finishes
  • Increased repair costs due to expanded structural damage

Early lintel replacement helps avoid costly structural repairs later.

Our Residential Lintel Replacement Process

All residential lintel replacements are completed to current building codes and best masonry practices.

  • Carefully remove brick above the opening
  • Remove the failed steel lintel
  • Install a properly sized, corrosion-resistant lintel
  • Install through-wall flashing and moisture barriers
  • Add weep vents or weep breathers for drainage
  • Rebuild brickwork to match existing masonry

Lintel Repair & Replacement FAQs

  • How long do steel lintels last?

    Most steel lintels last 20–40 years depending on moisture exposure, installation quality, and whether flashing and weep systems were installed.

  • Are cracked bricks always caused by lintel failure?

    Not always, but cracks above doors and windows are a common sign of corroded or failing lintels.

  • Can lintels be repaired instead of replaced?

    Minor surface rust may be addressed, but most failing lintels require full replacement for long-term structural stability.

  • Is lintel replacement a structural repair?

    Yes. Lintels support masonry loads and must be structurally sound to prevent further damage.

  • Do new lintels require flashing and weep vents?

    Yes. Current building codes require flashing and proper drainage to prevent future moisture damage.

  • How long does lintel replacement take?

    Most residential lintel replacements take 1–2 days. Commercial projects vary based on size and access.

Why Choose Brickheads Masonry

  • Residential and commercial masonry specialists
  • Code-compliant lintel replacement
  • Proper flashing and drainage systems
  • Long-term solutions—not temporary fixes
  • Clean, professional workmanship

Call Us Today

Need more information? Call us at 586-709-2365 to speak with one of our experts.