Oxidized Window Lintels

[zero1238]

I completed a structural inspection on a waterfront home yesterday that had 4 windows in a crawlspace with high headroom. Each 2'-8" wide window had a steel lintel over the top of it that appeared to be significantly oxidized. I'm assuming the salt water attacked these pretty harshly given the property's location in proximity to an open body of water as well as the exposed nature of the lintel. Additionally, the masonry block above the lintels appeared to be popped upwards, most likely from the volume expansion of the lintel. I haven't seen this kind of lintel before in a coastal home, it's usually the prefab masonry lintels. Any thoughts on repairing this issue? Is there a way to salvage what's there or is it recommended to simply swap out all 4 exposed steel lintels with prefab masonry lintels (which is what I think is best but more work and cost)?

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[XR250]

I believe that is called "corrosion jacking". I see it around here on houses with not enough coverage from rain. Replacement with pre-cast is probably the best idea.

 

[phamENG]

Agree with XR...if you really want to keep the steel you could do HDG, though even that won't have the desired lifespan in a coastal area...40-50 years. You could do stainless, but that'll be pricey.

 

[zero1238]

That makes a lot of sense. I've never heard of corrosion jacking before but I can understand how it's possible; I just didn't realize it could raise the block to that degree. Thank you both for your insight.