Find top rated window seal repair pros in your area

Most homeowners’ policies won’t pay to replace a lintel that’s simply worn out. Insurers treat gradual deterioration as a maintenance issue you’re expected to handle, not a sudden, covered loss. Review your policy’s exclusions, and schedule routine inspections so you can catch cracks before they widen into costlier repairs. Addressing problems early protects both your budget and your home’s structural safety.

A well-installed lintel can last up to 60 years, but its lifespan depends on material, climate, and upkeep. Steel or concrete generally outlive wood, especially in wet or salty environments. Regularly checking for rust, cracks, or sagging and sealing gaps can help your lintel reach its full life expectancy. When in doubt, have a pro evaluate any signs of wear.

Both window and door lintels do the same job—supporting the wall above the opening—but they’re sized for the span they cover. Because door and garage openings are typically taller and wider than windows, they may call for a stronger or thicker beam. A qualified contractor can look at your framing and recommend the right lintel for each spot.

Minor cracks or slight sagging can sometimes be fixed by adding steel reinforcement plates or brackets that shore up the existing beam. When a lintel is severely corroded, cracked through, or no longer bearing weight, full replacement is usually the safest route. A structural pro will inspect the damage, explain the pros and cons of reinforcement versus replacement, and quote the costs for each approach.

Several specialty kits are designed to brace a sagging lintel, including systems like Lintel Lift that use steel beams for long-term support. Your contractor can tell you whether a proprietary kit or a custom steel reinforcement will work best for the opening, based on the load and the condition of the surrounding masonry. Either way, professional installation is essential to make sure the beam carries the intended weight.