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Expert Lintel Replacement in Saint Louis, MO

As a masonry specialist with decades of experience in St. Louis, I’ve seen it all. I remember walking through the beautiful, historic streets of Lafayette Square a few years back, admiring the incredible “painted ladies.” On one particular home, I noticed something that always makes a mason’s heart sink: a distinct stair-step crack forming in the brickwork above a gorgeous second-story window. The homeowner mentioned their window had recently become difficult to open and close. To them, it was a minor annoyance; to me, it was a clear cry for help from the building’s structure. The culprit was a failing steel lintel, the hidden beam that supports the immense weight of brick above our windows and doors. In a city defined by its iconic brick architecture, from the grand mansions of the Central West End to the charming bungalows in St. Charles, a failing lintel isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it’s a direct threat to your home’s integrity and value.

At Porter Tuckpointing, we understand this problem intimately. We know the pride you feel in your St. Louis home’s character, and we see our job as preserving that heritage. A sagging, rusted lintel can lead to significant water damage, cracked walls, and even structural instability if ignored. That’s why we provide specialized Lintel Replacement Saint Louis residents can trust. We don’t just patch the problem; we provide a permanent, structurally sound solution that seamlessly integrates with your home’s original aesthetic, protecting your investment for generations to come. Your peace of mind is our primary goal.

Signs You Need Lintel Repair or Replacement

Identifying a failing lintel early can save you from more extensive and costly repairs down the road. Because these structural supports are often hidden within the wall, the signs of failure manifest in the surrounding masonry. Here’s what to look for on your St. Louis property:

• Stair-Step Cracks: The most common sign is cracks appearing in the mortar joints, moving up and away from the top corners of a window or door.
• Sagging or Bowing Brickwork: If the bricks directly above your window or garage door opening appear to be drooping or bowing, the lintel beneath is likely failing.
• Visible Rust Stains: Rust bleeding through the mortar or brick is a sure sign that the internal steel lintel is corroding and expanding, putting pressure on the surrounding masonry.
• Sticking Windows or Doors: When a lintel sags, it puts downward pressure on the window or door frame, causing it to warp and become difficult to operate.
• Cracked or Damaged Bricks: Vertical pressure from a failing lintel can cause the bricks themselves to crack or spall.

Our St. Louis Lintel Replacement Process

We approach every lintel replacement project with a meticulous process designed to ensure safety, structural integrity, and a flawless aesthetic finish. Our hyper-local expertise means we understand the specific needs of St. Louis architecture, ensuring a repair that lasts.

1. Detailed Structural Assessment

Our process begins with a thorough on-site inspection. We don’t just look at the obvious crack; we assess the condition of the entire wall, the type of brick, and the extent of the lintel’s failure. This allows us to create a precise plan that addresses the root cause and prevents future issues.

2. Safe Masonry Support & Removal

Safety is paramount. Before removing the old lintel, we install heavy-duty temporary supports (shoring) to securely hold the weight of the masonry above. This prevents any movement or collapse during the repair. Once the area is secure, our team carefully removes the damaged bricks and the failed steel lintel.

3. Installation of a New, Properly-Sized Lintel

We replace the old, often undersized and unprotected steel with a new, hot-dip galvanized or stainless steel lintel.¹ This new support is properly sized for the span and weight it needs to carry and is treated to resist rust and corrosion for decades, a critical feature for withstanding St. Louis’s humid summers and freeze-thaw cycles. We also ensure proper flashing and weep holes are installed to manage moisture and prevent future water damage.

4. Historic Masonry Restoration

This is where our craftsmanship truly shines. We don’t just put the bricks back; we meticulously clean the original bricks for reuse or source locally-matched materials for any that are too damaged. Leveraging our expertise in historic restoration, we re-lay the bricks using period-appropriate mortar, matching the color, texture, and joint style perfectly. The result is a seamless repair that looks as if the problem never existed, preserving your home’s authentic charm.

The Porter Tuckpointing Difference: Unmatched St. Louis Craftsmanship

Choosing a masonry contractor is about more than just finding someone to lay bricks; it’s about trusting an expert with the integrity of your home. At Porter Tuckpointing, we’ve built our reputation on a foundation of trust, quality, and a deep love for St. Louis architecture.

Specialized Historic Restoration

We aren’t just masons; we are historic preservationists. Whether it’s the intricate brickwork of a home in Soulard or the robust stone of a University City property, we have the specialized knowledge to restore your home authentically. Our meticulous craftsmanship ensures every repair honors the original architectural vision.

Lifetime Craftsmanship Guarantee

Our commitment to quality is absolute. We are so confident in the durability of our work and the materials we use that we back all our masonry repairs with a lifetime guarantee. This is our promise to you that our solutions are built to last, providing you with ultimate peace of mind.

Hyper-Local Expertise & Materials

Having worked on countless homes across St. Louis City and County, we possess an unparalleled understanding of the region’s specific architectural styles and material needs. We have access to locally sourced, period-appropriate materials that ensure our repairs blend seamlessly with your home’s existing structure.

Award-Winning Design & Build

Our in-house team collaborates with you to find solutions that are not only structurally sound but also aesthetically beautiful. We are consistently recognized for creating innovative and appealing masonry work that enhances curb appeal and property value.

Comprehensive Masonry Services

While lintel replacement is a critical service, our expertise covers all aspects of masonry care to keep your property safe and beautiful. Our related services include:

• Steel Lintel Installation
• Window & Door Lintel Repair
• Structural Masonry Repair
• Brick Repointing & Tuckpointing
• Historic Brick Restoration
• Masonry Crack Repair
• Archway & Sill Repair
• Complete Facade Restoration

Get Your Free Lintel Replacement Estimate in St. Louis Today!

Don’t let a failing lintel compromise the beauty and safety of your home. If you see cracking, sagging, or rust stains above your windows or doors, it’s time to call the local experts. Porter Tuckpointing is proud to serve homeowners throughout the greater St. Louis area, including St. Louis County, St. Charles, and beyond.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation. We offer Free, No-Obligation Estimates where one of our masonry specialists will visit your property, assess the damage, and provide you with a clear, detailed plan and quote for your lintel replacement project. Protect your investment and restore your peace of mind—call Porter Tuckpointing now!

¹ Source: Lintel (architecture), Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lintel, accessed [current date].