top of page
Search

Precast Concrete Lintels in Ontario: Strong, Fast, and Code-Compliant Solutions

  • Yousef Davari
  • Sep 2
  • 3 min read

Updated: Sep 24

In modern Ontario construction, every component must deliver both performance and efficiency. One of the most important elements in masonry construction is the lintel — the horizontal support beam placed above doors and windows. Among all types, precast concrete lintels have become a leading choice due to their durability, fire resistance, and compliance with the Ontario Building Code (OBC).


Whether for residential projects in Ontario or larger commercial projects, precast lintels combine speed of installation with long-term reliability, making them a preferred solution for builders and developers.


Precast Concrete Lintels in Ontario

What Are Precast Concrete Lintels?


A precast concrete lintel is a reinforced beam produced in a factory under controlled conditions. Unlike cast-in-place concrete, which is poured and cured on site, precast ensures consistent quality and accurate reinforcement placement.


Key characteristics:


  • High compressive strength for structural safety

  • Steel reinforcement to handle tensile stresses

  • Fire- and moisture-resistant properties

  • Standardized sizes for quick and easy installation


This combination makes them highly effective for fast-track construction Ontario, where project timelines are critical.


When to Use Precast Lintels


Precast lintels are particularly effective in:


  • Masonry construction, such as brick veneer and block walls

  • Small to medium spans above standard door and window openings

  • Renovation projects, where deteriorated wood or steel lintels need quick replacement

  • Commercial buildings with repetitive spans that benefit from standardized products


For very large spans or unusual loading conditions, cast-in-place concrete or steel beams may be more suitable.


Precision in Every Span


Discover how precast concrete lintels deliver strength, speed, and full code compliance for Ontario residential and commercial projects.





Comparing Lintel Materials


Material

Advantages

Limitations

Best Use Cases

Precast Concrete

Durable, fire-resistant, fast installation

Heavy, limited to short/medium spans

Masonry openings in low-rise housing

Cast-in-Place Concrete

Flexible for custom shapes/spans

Slower, requires formwork

Large or unique openings

Steel Beams

Lightweight, spans longer distances

Corrosion risk, needs fire protection

Brick veneer, large spans

Engineered Wood Beams Ontario

Easy to handle, cost-effective

Moisture-sensitive, low fire rating

Residential light framing


Code and Design Considerations in Ontario


In Ontario, lintel design must meet OBC 2024 and the requirements of CSA A23.3 for concrete structures. Installation should also comply with CSA A371 Masonry Construction standards.


Key design considerations:


  • Minimum bearing length of 150 mm on each side of the opening

  • Proper reinforcement cover to prevent corrosion and damage from freeze–thaw cycles. This is especially relevant in Ontario’s cold climate, where following correct Pouring Concrete Ontario practices under OBC standards prevents cracking and durability issues.

  • Load capacity relative to wall height and supported loads. In projects involving Tall Walls, these requirements become even more critical because larger forces are transferred to the lintels.


Precast Concrete Lintels in Ontario

Precast Lintel Installation Guidelines


A well-executed precast lintel installation is critical to performance:


  • Prepare solid, level bearing surfaces before placement

  • Use proper mortar bedding to distribute loads evenly

  • Ensure correct orientation (reinforcement at the tension side)

  • Protect exposed edges from water penetration to reduce cracking risk


Applications in Ontario Construction


Precast concrete lintels are widely used in Ontario projects:


  • Residential projects Ontario: Standard window and door lintels in masonry veneer walls

  • Commercial projects Ontario: Schools, offices, and retail structures with repetitive spans

  • Retrofit projects: Replacing damaged timber or corroded steel lintels with durable lintels


Ontario’s challenging freeze–thaw climate makes precast a reliable long-term choice, with reduced maintenance compared to steel or wood.


Smarter Structural Solutions


Explore why precast concrete lintels are the reliable choice in Ontario—combining durability, efficiency, and OBC-approved performance.





Conclusion


Precast concrete lintels in Ontario combine strength, speed, and compliance with building codes. They are a practical solution for residential, commercial, and retrofit projects.


While not always suitable for very long spans, their advantages in terms of durability, fire resistance, and installation speed make them one of the most efficient choices in today’s construction industry.


Co-authored by Yousef Davari and Negin Amani.



 
 
bottom of page