This guide is for builders and DIY enthusiasts needing a reliable structural support for external solid walls or narrow cavity builds. The Catnic CN71A offers immediate wet masonry support and excellent durability, though careful selection of the correct length and load capacity is crucial for optimal performance.
The Catnic CN71A is engineered with several features to ensure robust performance and ease of installation:
External Solid Wall & Narrow Cavity Application: Specifically designed to provide structural support in challenging wall constructions.
Duplex Corrosion Protection: Constructed from galvanised steel and finished with a powder coating, offering enhanced durability and long-term protection against corrosion.
Superior Twisting Resistance: Its box profile design provides exceptional structural integrity, resisting twisting even under significant loads, including wet masonry.
Immediate Wet Masonry Support: Designed to safely support wet masonry immediately upon installation, helping to accelerate construction timelines.
Built-in Plaster Key: Features an integrated plaster key to facilitate better adhesion and a smoother finish for internal plasterwork.
Built-in DPC (Damp Proof Course): Incorporates a damp proof course, simplifying installation and providing integrated protection against moisture ingress.
Integral Insulation: Includes built-in insulation to improve the thermal performance and energy efficiency of the wall opening.
Variable Load Capacity: Available in various lengths, with specific load ratings (e.g., a 900mm lintel supports 29 kN, while a 2700mm lintel supports 20 kN) to suit diverse project requirements.
High durability and corrosion resistance due to galvanised steel and powder coating.
Supports wet masonry immediately, speeding up construction.
Offers superior resistance to twisting under load, ensuring structural stability.
Includes integrated features like DPC, plaster key, and insulation for comprehensive performance and simplified installation.
Suitable for specific, demanding applications like external solid walls and narrow cavities.
Requires precise measurement and selection based on specific load and span requirements to ensure safety and performance.
Info needed: May require specific handling or lifting equipment for longer or heavier variants.
High durability and corrosion resistance due to galvanised steel and powder coating.
Supports wet masonry immediately, speeding up construction.
Offers superior resistance to twisting under load, ensuring structural stability.
Includes integrated features like DPC, plaster key, and insulation for comprehensive performance and simplified installation.
Suitable for specific, demanding applications like external solid walls and narrow cavities.
Requires precise measurement and selection based on specific load and span requirements to ensure safety and performance.
Info needed: May require specific handling or lifting equipment for longer or heavier variants.
The Catnic CN71A Lintel excels in providing robust structural support for openings in external solid walls and narrow cavity constructions. Its unique box profile design prevents twisting, making it highly reliable even when supporting wet masonry immediately. This capability significantly benefits construction timelines by allowing continuous work.
The duplex corrosion protection, a combination of galvanised steel and a powder-coated finish, ensures long-term performance and durability in various outdoor conditions. Integrated features such as the DPC, plaster key, and insulation streamline the overall build process by combining multiple functions into a single component. This also enhances the opening's thermal efficiency and simplifies internal finishing.
Example Application: Imagine creating a new window opening in an old, solid brick wall. The Catnic CN71A would be installed to bear the substantial load of the brickwork above, providing immediate and stable support without deformation. Its built-in DPC would also ensure that moisture ingress is prevented at this critical structural point, contributing to the building's longevity and integrity.
Bearing: Ensure a minimum bearing of 150mm at each end of the lintel on solid masonry. Adequate bearing is crucial for transferring loads effectively and preventing failure.
Orientation: Install the lintel with the correct orientation as indicated by any manufacturer markings or arrows. Incorrect orientation can compromise structural integrity.
Masonry Support: The lintel is specifically designed to support wet masonry immediately upon installation. Build masonry directly onto the lintel according to structural plans.
Wall Types: Designed specifically for external solid wall applications and narrow cavity wall builds.
Selection: Always select the appropriate length and corresponding load capacity (measured in kN) based on the width of your structural opening and the calculated imposed load from the wall above. Refer to a structural engineer if unsure.
Protection: The Catnic CN71A features galvanised steel and a powder-coated finish, providing duplex corrosion protection. Once installed correctly, it requires no specific ongoing maintenance.
Handling: Avoid damaging the protective coating during handling and installation, as this could compromise its corrosion resistance.