Lintel FAQ

• What lintel do I use for a given situation?
• I have selected a lintel, do I need to install a separate damp proof course (DPC)?
• Do you provide a 'free' lintel schedule service and what is the response time involved?
• Do Catnic lintels meet the correct thermal regulations?
• Why are weep holes needed and do they have an insect guard?
• Are your lintels 'Kitemark' approved?
• What is the situation with fire protection?

• Q. What lintel do I use for a given situation?

  A. Refer to load/span tables and select appropriate lintel shape to suit wall construction. Ensure that the stated safe working uniform distributed load exceeds the applied load.

• Q. I have selected a lintel, do I need to install a separate damp proof course (DPC)?

  A. For normal exposure conditions there is no need for a separate DPC using 'Cougar or Classic' cavity wall lintels.

• Q. Do you provide a 'free' lintel schedule service and what is the response time involved?

  A. Yes, but the response time is dependent on the number of enquiries being processed . To ensure a reasonable response it is advisable to provide full construction details illustrating plans, elevations, and sections with any enquiry.

• Q. Do Catnic lintels meet the correct thermal regulations?

  A. An assessment of the hygrothermal performance of 'Cougar or Classic' cavity wall lintels for normal temperature and humidity conditions shows that this is no problem with the use of these products satisfying the relevant regulations.

• Q. Why are weep holes needed and do they have an insect guard?

  A. Weep holes must be provided in the outer leaf above the lintels [with or without separate DPC] to drain moisture from the cavity. With the introduction of stop ends to prevent water discharging over the ends of lintels, they provide the only means of water escapement. Ineffective weep holes can cause build up of water, which during winter periods could 'freeze up' and cause masonry damage.

• Q. Are your lintels 'Kitemark' approved?

  A. Our 'Cougar and Classic' cavity wall lintels are fully approved to BS5977 [specification for pre-fabricated lintels]

• Q. What is the situation with fire protection?

  A. The method for achieving fire rating performances is dependent on the applications and subsequent lintel design. For typical construction details reference should be made to BBA certificate No 91/2638 2nd issue where a one-hour fire ressistance is required.