TryBuildCalc

Lintel Verification Checklist

Essential Checklist+

Complete these critical checks before approving the work or proceeding to the next construction stage.

✓12 Inspection Points
✓5 Verification Categories
✓Opening & Bearing Verification+
  • Opening span used matches the actual door/window frame size shown on the architectural drawing, not an assumed round number.
  • Bearing length on each side is confirmed against the applicable structural code or engineer's note, not just this calculator's default.
  • Openings placed close together (piers between them) have the pier width checked against the minimum required for bearing to actually develop on both sides.
  • Any load concentrated above the opening (beam end, truss point load, AC unit bracket) is flagged to the structural engineer rather than sized using the standard rule-of-thumb.
✓Lintel Sizing & Concrete+
  • Lintel depth and width used are taken from the structural drawing, or confirmed adequate for the span and load above (not just this calculator's rule-of-thumb suggestion).
✓Reinforcement Verification+
  • Main bar diameter and count match the structural drawing, placed near the bottom with correct concrete cover.
  • Stirrup diameter and spacing match the drawing, with closed loops properly hooked and tied.
  • Main bars extend the full required development/anchorage length into the bearing wall on each side, not cut short at the opening edge.
✓Casting & Curing+
  • Lintel is cured (kept moist) for the applicable minimum period before formwork is struck or loaded.
  • Formwork is not removed, and no load is placed on the lintel, before the concrete has reached adequate strength.
  • Concrete is properly compacted/vibrated around the closely spaced reinforcement without segregating the mix, given the lintel's typically shallow depth.
✓Final Check+
  • Door/window frame fixing points and any embedded fixtures clear the lintel's reinforcement cage rather than drilling through a main bar or stirrup later.
Full QC Checklist+

Verify opening/bearing, lintel sizing, reinforcement, casting/curing, and final check.

✓30 Inspection Points
✓5 Verification Categories
✓Opening & Bearing Verification+
  • Opening span used matches the actual door/window frame size shown on the architectural drawing, not an assumed round number.
  • Bearing length on each side is confirmed against the applicable structural code or engineer's note, not just this calculator's default.
  • Wall on both sides of the opening is solid masonry (not another opening or a control joint) for the full bearing length.
  • Openings placed close together (piers between them) have the pier width checked against the minimum required for bearing to actually develop on both sides.
  • Lintel level is consistent across openings on the same wall line, unless a step is specifically shown on the drawing.
  • Any load concentrated above the opening (beam end, truss point load, AC unit bracket) is flagged to the structural engineer rather than sized using the standard rule-of-thumb.
✓Lintel Sizing & Concrete+
  • Lintel depth and width used are taken from the structural drawing, or confirmed adequate for the span and load above (not just this calculator's rule-of-thumb suggestion).
  • Concrete mix ratio/grade matches the project specification for the exposure condition.
  • Formwork (shuttering) is level, properly supported, and leak-proof at joints before pouring.
  • Lintel width matches the wall thickness it sits in, with no unintended step or overhang at either face.
  • Sunshade, chajja, or drop-wall projections cast integrally with the lintel are confirmed on the drawing before formwork is built, since they change the pour sequence and reinforcement.
  • Aggregate size used in the mix suits the lintel's minimum dimension and reinforcement spacing, so aggregate doesn't bridge and leave voids.
✓Reinforcement Verification+
  • Main bar diameter and count match the structural drawing, placed near the bottom with correct concrete cover.
  • Top (hanger) bars are included and properly tied to the stirrup cage, not omitted as a shortcut.
  • Stirrup diameter and spacing match the drawing, with closed loops properly hooked and tied.
  • Main bars extend the full required development/anchorage length into the bearing wall on each side, not cut short at the opening edge.
  • Cover blocks are placed on all faces (bottom, sides, and top) to hold the cage centered in the formwork during the pour, not just resting on the shutter base.
  • Where two lintels meet at a corner or T-junction, main bars are lapped or continued per the drawing rather than simply butted together.
✓Casting & Curing+
  • Concrete is poured in one continuous operation for each lintel to avoid a cold joint.
  • Lintel is cured (kept moist) for the applicable minimum period before formwork is struck or loaded.
  • Formwork is not removed, and no load is placed on the lintel, before the concrete has reached adequate strength.
  • Concrete is properly compacted/vibrated around the closely spaced reinforcement without segregating the mix, given the lintel's typically shallow depth.
  • Props supporting the lintel formwork are not disturbed or removed early by other trades working nearby before the minimum curing period is complete.
  • Curing method (ponding, wet hessian, or curing compound) suits the site conditions and ambient temperature, particularly in hot or windy weather.
✓Final Check+
  • Lintel is level and both bearings are visibly resting on solid wall after formwork removal.
  • No visible honeycombing, cracking, or exposed reinforcement on the finished lintel surface.
  • Total concrete and steel used is reconciled against this calculator's estimate before closing out the item in records.
  • Door/window frame fixing points and any embedded fixtures clear the lintel's reinforcement cage rather than drilling through a main bar or stirrup later.
  • Any minor surface defects are patched with a compatible repair mortar and cured before plastering starts, not concealed under plaster alone.
  • Lintel is photographed and recorded before it's covered by masonry above and plaster on both faces, for future reference.
Inspection Notes+
Use the latest approved drawings, specifications, and site measurements.
Complete all critical checks before proceeding to the next work stage.
Record deviations and confirm rectification where required.

Related Calculators & Guides

Lintel CalculatorOpen the related calculator and verify the current project inputs.

FAQ

Use it after collecting the project inputs and again before approving or closing the relevant work stage.
No. It supports verification but does not replace approved drawings, specifications, codes, manufacturer requirements, or professional inspection.