DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hi,
Im trying to find out methods of installing a beam/ lintel into an existing solid masonry wall to creat a new opening because I am trying to put into building control a package for a proposed garage and extension to the side of my house. Obviously this will have to be a heavy duty beam(s) and do you know a quick way to work out the proposed loadings. Also do you know of any website giving me a step by step guide for installing the beam.
Thanks

A majosr structural alteration such as this sould not be undertaken by someone without suitable experience, ie how are you going to support the loadings above, curing time, packing etc.

For the question in hand go to a lintel company they have a department that will work out what size beam you'll need and this will be suitable for building control. You may also need to serve notices ont he adjoining owners if the party wall is in any way affected.

See the projects section as instructed above and look at forming an opening in walls. The calculations for working out the loading on a beam are difficult and obviously depend on the weight of ewverything above the beam. It is extremmely unlikely you will be able to "prove" your calculations without the help of an architect but contacting lintel manufaturers may go some way to helping.

Thanks for the help

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