Lintels or roll layer above facade openings

Lintels and/or roll courses may be present above the facade openings.

If the concrete lintel above the facade openings has a so-called hard joint at the end, because the concrete lintel above the frame can expand and contract due to weather influences (such as heat and cold), it could push the brickwork aside, causing cracks in the facade (or already present). We recommend removing the hard joint at the end of the lintel (grinding or drilling it out) and applying an expansion joint sealant to allow the lintel to deform slightly without causing immediate damage to the facade.

If the concrete lintel deforms: This may be because it cannot expand, move, or contract independently of the brickwork. This deformation creates tension in the brickwork, and cracks may also appear or already exist. The pressure on window frames can increase, even resulting in broken glass!

If the reinforcement in the concrete lintel is rusting , this may already have caused damage to the concrete. Such damage is repairable! Remove the loose concrete, remove the rust from the reinforcement, and treat it with a primer or red lead. After this, the concrete damage can be repaired with the appropriate material.

• Also investigate the cause of the rusting reinforcement in the concrete lintel. The drainage at the top of the lintel may be defective. For example, there may be defects in the lead strips above the lintel, if any are present.

A steel truss may be installed behind the brickwork above the facade opening. If this steel truss rusts, the material can expand by up to several centimeters (due to oxidation) and cause significant damage to the brickwork. In that case, it should be taken into account that the brickwork and the underlying steel truss will need to be replaced at some point.

• This is a major operation; have it carried out by a qualified company. The steel beam is a structural component of the house, meaning this repair cannot be carried out without supporting measures.

If a steel profile is incorporated into the facade above the window frames, this profile is naturally only partially visible. It's important with such profiles that the facade's drainage is properly managed, and no water remains on top of the profile (this is, of course, not visible because the profile is largely incorporated into the facade).

• Steel profiles in a facade always pose a risk. Rust can develop (due to moisture), and the material will then expand in size, which can generate forces (expansion), resulting in damage or cracks in the facade.
• If it can be determined that the profile is not galvanised (or another form of material protection has been applied): this means that the intended risk of rusting is greater than in typical cases.

Due to age and the ravages of time, a common problem is the bearing of the steel within the masonry. This bearing can rust, causing damage and cracking in the masonry. This damage can worsen, especially because the rusting process is unstoppable! At some point, it may be considered to "cut open" the profile where it contacts the facade and apply a coating system, or implement a similar measure.

• Steel profiles in a facade always pose a risk. Rust can develop (due to moisture), and the material will then expand in size, which can generate forces (expansion), resulting in damage or cracks in the facade.
• You can check this part yourself annually; take a photo each year and compare the results. If rust accelerates or becomes damaged, you must take action.
• In many cases, the current situation can be maintained; the damage to the facade and the extent of rust may/will increase, but to a very limited extent.
• Any maintenance work on this part is particularly difficult, always consult a certified contractor.

If a steel profile is incorporated into the facade above the window frames, this profile is unfortunately always only partially visible. With such profiles, it's important that the facade's drainage is properly managed, and no water remains on top of the profile (this is, of course, not visible because the facade largely incorporates the profile). If the profile rusts, it can cause damage to the facade, making maintenance absolutely essential! This may be possible through repair, but the entire profile may need to be replaced. This can only be determined once the profile is more visible (after destructive testing). The costs for such a job can be considerable! Always request a quote from a certified contractor first!

• Steel profiles in a facade always pose a risk. Rust can develop (due to moisture), and the material will then expand, which can in turn generate forces (expansion), resulting in damage or cracks in the facade.
• It's crucial that a building inspector pays attention to such details. During the inspection, the inspector will be very alert to minor defects in the facade that could potentially lead to larger underlying problems.