homebuildy.com A window lintel is a horizontal structural element designed to support the weight of the wall above a window opening, typically made of steel, concrete, or wood. A window header is a specific type of lintel used in wooden frame construction to carry loads from above the window to the studs on either side. Both components serve to distribute structural loads, but headers are commonly associated with residential wood framing, while lintels are used in masonry or steel construction.
Table of Comparison
| Feature | Window Lintel | Window Header |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A horizontal structural element above a window opening that supports the load from the wall above. | A horizontal framing member placed over a window, designed mainly to support roof or floor loads. |
| Primary Material | Steel, reinforced concrete, stone, or brick. | Wood or engineered lumber. |
| Load Support | Supports masonry or heavy wall loads above windows. | Supports structural framing loads, such as roof or floor joists. |
| Installation Location | Embedded in masonry walls above window openings. | Integrated within wood frame walls above window openings. |
| Structural Role | Crucial for distributing weight in masonry constructions. | Essential in wood framing for load transfer and window framing. |
| Typical Use | Brick, stone, or concrete buildings. | Wood frame buildings. |
Understanding Window Lintels and Window Headers
Window lintels and window headers are key structural components supporting openings in walls, but lintels are horizontal beams installed above windows, often made of steel, stone, or reinforced concrete, designed to bear the load from masonry above. Window headers, typically framing members within wood or metal stud walls, provide support for window openings by distributing structural weight to surrounding studs. Understanding their distinct materials and functions is essential for proper architectural design and ensuring structural integrity in both masonry and framed construction.
Key Differences Between Window Lintels and Headers
Window lintels are structural horizontal supports made of steel, concrete, or stone placed above window openings to bear the load from the building structure above, whereas window headers are framing members typically made of wood or engineered lumber that distribute weight within the wall cavity itself. Lintels serve as primary load-bearing elements in masonry or concrete walls, while headers function mainly in wood-frame construction to transfer load to adjacent studs. The key differences lie in their materials, load-bearing capacity, and applications, with lintels providing robust exterior support and headers offering internal framing support.
The Structural Role of a Window Lintel
A window lintel serves as a horizontal support beam made from materials like steel, concrete, or wood that bears the load of the wall above a window opening, preventing structural failure and ensuring stability. Unlike a window header, which is primarily used in wooden frame construction to transfer loads across openings, a lintel can be integrated into masonry or concrete walls to distribute weight effectively. Its key structural role involves resisting compressive forces and maintaining the integrity of the building envelope by supporting the superimposed loads above windows.
What is a Window Header?
A window header is a horizontal structural member that spans the opening for a window, bearing the load from the components above and distributing it to the surrounding wall studs. Unlike a window lintel, which is typically a masonry or steel beam used in brick or stone construction, a window header is usually made of wood or engineered lumber in framed walls. Both serve the purpose of supporting the wall above an opening, but window headers are integral to wood-framed buildings and coordinated with framing details.
Materials Used for Lintels vs Headers
Window lintels are commonly made from reinforced concrete, steel, or stone, providing robust structural support above openings in masonry walls. Window headers, often used in wood-frame construction, typically consist of dimensional lumber or engineered wood products like laminated veneer lumber (LVL) for load distribution. The material choice between lintels and headers directly impacts durability, load-bearing capacity, and compatibility with the surrounding wall system.
Installation Process: Lintel vs Header
Window lintels, typically made of steel, concrete, or stone, are installed by embedding them into the masonry above the window opening, providing structural support by distributing the load to the surrounding walls. Window headers, usually constructed from wood or engineered lumber, are installed by framing them directly into the wall studs above the window and secured with nails or screws to support the roof or floor load. The lintel installation requires precise placement within masonry, while header installation involves carpentry skills for joining framing members and ensuring load transfer within wood or metal stud walls.
Load-Bearing Capabilities Compared
Window lintels are typically made of steel, reinforced concrete, or stone, providing strong load-bearing support above openings in masonry walls. Window headers, often crafted from wood or engineered lumber, serve as structural beams that transfer loads from the window opening to adjacent framing members, suitable for lighter loads in wood-frame construction. The load-bearing capacity of lintels generally surpasses that of headers, making lintels the preferred choice for heavy masonry walls that require robust support against vertical loads and lateral forces.
Common Applications in Modern Construction
Window lintels primarily provide structural support by bearing the load above window openings in masonry or concrete walls, ensuring stability and preventing cracks. Window headers are typically used in wood-frame construction to transfer loads around windows and door openings, often incorporating dimensional lumber for framing. Modern construction often combines lintels for masonry facades with headers in the underlying wood framework to optimize strength and durability in diverse building materials.
Cost Considerations: Lintel vs Header
Window lintels typically cost less than window headers due to their simpler structural design and use of materials like steel or reinforced concrete. Headers often require more labor and higher-grade lumber or engineered wood products, increasing overall expenses. Choosing between a lintel and a header depends on budget constraints and specific load-bearing requirements in construction projects.
Choosing the Right Support for Your Window Opening
Window lintels are horizontal structural elements that support the weight above a window opening, typically made of steel, concrete, or stone, while window headers are often wooden beams designed to carry loads in framed construction. Choosing the right support depends on factors such as the width of the window opening, load requirements, material compatibility, and building codes. Proper selection ensures stability, durability, and prevents structural failure, optimizing both safety and aesthetic integration in your construction project.
window lintel vs window header Infographic
