Precast Concrete Lintels in Ontario: Uses, Design & Installation
Updated: Oct 4
Concrete lintels are used above doors, windows, and other masonry openings to support the wall and structural loads above. In Ontario, precast concrete lintels are common in residential and commercial masonry because they combine strength, fire resistance, durability, and efficient installation.
Across Toronto, Markham, Pickering, and other Ontario municipalities, the correct lintel depends on the opening size, supported loads, wall construction, bearing conditions, and exposure.
Precast Concrete Lintels and Their Main Uses
A precast concrete lintel is a reinforced concrete beam manufactured off-site and installed over an opening. Its purpose is to span the opening and transfer loads to the supporting masonry on each side.
Typical uses include:
Door and window openings in brick or block walls
Openings in concrete masonry construction
Repetitive openings in low-rise commercial buildings
Replacement of deteriorated or inadequate lintels
Concrete lintels are sometimes informally called concrete headers. For small and medium masonry openings, precast units can simplify construction because no on-site formwork or concrete curing is required.
Concrete and Masonry Lintel Design in Ontario
Lintel design must consider more than the clear opening. The weight of masonry above, floor or roof reactions, concentrated loads, and the condition of the supporting wall can all affect the required capacity.
Ontario projects must follow the 2024 Ontario Building Code as amended, together with applicable structural standards. Depending on the system, relevant standards may include CSA A23.3, CSA A23.4, and CSA S304 for concrete, precast concrete, and masonry design and construction.
At Parsways, lintels are reviewed as part of the complete load path, especially where an existing wall or opening is being altered.
Bearing and Support Requirements
There is no single bearing length that applies to every precast concrete lintel. Required bearing depends on the lintel design, loading, supporting masonry, manufacturer requirements, and site conditions.
The bearing surface should be sound, level, and capable of transferring the reaction into the wall. Existing masonry should also be checked where a new or replacement lintel is introduced during renovation work.
Precast Concrete and Steel Lintels
Concrete lintels are not automatically stronger or better than steel lintels. Each material has advantages depending on the structural condition.
Precast concrete works well with masonry construction and offers good durability and fire resistance. Steel can be more efficient for longer spans, limited member depth, or higher loads. Cast-in-place concrete may be appropriate where custom geometry or integrated reinforcement is required.
The appropriate option should be selected from the actual span, loading, wall type, bearing, exposure, and construction requirements rather than material preference alone.
Installation and Construction Considerations
Proper installation is essential to achieve the intended structural performance. Contractors should confirm:
Correct lintel size and orientation
Required end bearing and level support
Proper bedding and masonry coordination
No unauthorized cutting or field modification
Where site conditions differ from the drawings, the change should be reviewed before construction continues. Our Markham side-entrance project shows how a new wall opening can require coordinated lintel, framing, and foundation design.
Structural Engineering Review for Lintels
Standard manufactured lintels may be suitable where published tables clearly apply. Engineering review becomes more important for long spans, significant loads, enlarged openings, damaged masonry, unusual support conditions, or modifications to load-bearing walls.
For broader guidance, our article on when a structural engineer is needed in Ontario explains common situations where structural review becomes necessary before permit or construction.
A structural review can confirm the lintel size, reinforcement, bearing, and connection to the surrounding construction.
Conclusion
Precast concrete lintels remain a practical solution for many masonry openings in Ontario. Their suitability depends on span, loading, bearing, wall construction, durability, and compliance with the applicable OBC and CSA requirements.
At Parsways Inc., we provide structural engineering for precast concrete lintels, including load assessment, lintel design and review, bearing details, and coordination with masonry and framing for residential and commercial projects across Ontario.
Co-authored by Yousef Davari and Negin Amani.
