installing a lintel using a strongboy

Creating a new window or doorway is not for the faint hearted. But if you use the right equipment such as Strongboy hire and Acrow Prop hire and follow a few simple safety guidelines it is not a difficult task. First, gather the correct equipment. Strongboy hire and Acrow Prop hire are the most cost-effective way of getting hold of the best tools for the job. Safety goggles, steel-toe capped boots and gloves are also essential. You first task is to install a lintel to hold the weight of the wall before you start removing bricks to make the opening. Make sure you organise your Strongboy hire and Acrow Prop hire at least a day in advance. Strongboy hire and Acrow Prop hire is often the best option because it is cost-effective, easy and just a phone call away. Next you need to check the floor is strong enough to take the weight of the props once they are secured in the wall. A concrete floor would probably be ok but it is best to remove floorboards and check the joists to ensure a strong support. If in doubt use a plank of wood underneath the props to distribute the weight. Carefully make holes in the walls for the Strongboys by removing some of the mortar using a power drill and a masonry bit. The Strongboys should be no further than three feet apart. Install the Strongboys and tighten the screw to take the weight of the wall. Do not over tighten. Once secure, you can remove enough bricks to make way for the lintel using an angle grinder and a diamond tipped disk to cut away the mortar or remove it with a masonry bit and power drill before taking out the bricks using a bolster chisel and heavy hammer. Install a reinforced concrete lintel for internal openings and make sure the lintel extends at least six inches each side of the new window or doorway. Put a bed of mortar on the top of the lintel and mortar on the bearing points so you can position the lintel and make sure it is level. Allow 24 hours to let it settle. Once the mortar has hardened, you can remove the Acrow Props and the Strongboys and fill in the holes. You can now carefully remove the bricks for the actual opening. If you have any doubts you should seek advice from a structural surveyor or employ an expert to do the job for you.

For more information on installing a lintel using a strongboy talk to Lakeside Hire