The Catnic CN71A Steel Lintel is a robust solution for builders and contractors constructing external solid walls, engineered to provide immediate support for wet masonry and resist twisting during construction. Its durable, corrosion-protected design offers long-term stability and integrated features, though precise measurement and proper installation are critical for ensuring its optimal performance and load-bearing capabilities.
Duplex Corrosion Protection: Features galvanised steel base protected further by a powder coating, ensuring a long-lasting and durable product against environmental elements.
Immediate Load Bearing: Designed to carry a full load of wet masonry as soon as it is installed, which significantly streamlines the construction process by eliminating waiting times.
Anti-Twist Box Profile: The unique box profile design is engineered to prevent twisting, warping, or distorting under load, maintaining structural integrity throughout construction.
Built-in Essentials: Includes a built-in plaster key and a built-in damp proof course (DPC), offering integrated solutions that simplify installation and enhance wall performance.
Integral Insulation: Features continuous integral insulation along with an open back profile, contributing to enhanced thermal performance and energy efficiency.
Standard Duty Performance: Classified as Standard Duty, suitable for common structural loads in solid wall construction, with dimensions typically between 200mm and 215mm.
Wide Range of Lengths: Available in standard lengths in 150mm increments up to 3000mm, and 300mm increments from 3000mm to 3600mm, accommodating various opening sizes.
Supports wet masonry immediately upon installation, accelerating construction.
Duplex Corrosion Protection ensures excellent durability and a long lifespan.
Box profile resists twisting, warping, and distorting under load.
Integrated plaster key and DPC simplify the building process.
Open back profile and integral insulation contribute to thermal efficiency.
Suitable for exterior solid walls and narrow cavity walls (from 70mm).
Requires precise measurement for correct length selection and load capacity.
Longer spans can be heavy, potentially requiring multiple people for safe handling and installation.
Specific to solid wall or narrow cavity applications, not universal for all wall types.
Minimum bearing of 150mm at each end must be strictly adhered to for full performance.
Supports wet masonry immediately upon installation, accelerating construction.
Duplex Corrosion Protection ensures excellent durability and a long lifespan.
Box profile resists twisting, warping, and distorting under load.
Integrated plaster key and DPC simplify the building process.
Open back profile and integral insulation contribute to thermal efficiency.
Suitable for exterior solid walls and narrow cavity walls (from 70mm).
Requires precise measurement for correct length selection and load capacity.
Longer spans can be heavy, potentially requiring multiple people for safe handling and installation.
Specific to solid wall or narrow cavity applications, not universal for all wall types.
Minimum bearing of 150mm at each end must be strictly adhered to for full performance.
The Catnic CN71A Lintel is engineered for high performance in demanding construction environments, particularly for external solid walls. Its primary function is to support masonry above openings like windows and doors, carrying the load of wet masonry immediately after installation. This feature is a significant advantage, as it removes the need for temporary propping or waiting for mortar to cure, thereby speeding up project timelines and reducing labour costs.
The lintel's box profile construction is crucial for its anti-twisting capability. This means that even under the significant weight of freshly laid brickwork, the lintel maintains its straight and true form, preventing structural imperfections. The Duplex Corrosion Protection, combining galvanised steel with a powder-coated finish, ensures the lintel stands up to harsh outdoor conditions, offering a long service life without degradation.
Its integral insulation and open back profile are designed to improve the thermal performance of the wall, reducing cold bridging and contributing to better energy efficiency in the building. This makes it an excellent choice for modern construction striving to meet specific thermal regulations. For instance, when installing a window in a solid external wall, the CN71A ensures a stable, well-insulated opening that can be built upon without delay.
Load capacity is critical and varies with the lintel's span. For example, a 900mm lintel can support approximately 29 kN, while a 2700mm lintel supports about 20 kN. This highlights the importance of selecting the correct length based on the opening size and anticipated load. It is designed for openings up to 2400mm and suitable for solid wall construction or narrow cavity walls from 70mm, providing a robust solution for a range of building projects.
Preparation: Ensure the opening is clean, level, and prepared to receive the lintel. Verify that the masonry below the bearing points is sound and capable of supporting the lintel's load.
Bearing: Position the lintel with a minimum bearing of 150mm at each end on a full, even bed of mortar. This bearing is critical for distributing the load effectively and achieving the stated load capacity.
Leveling: Use a spirit level to ensure the lintel is perfectly horizontal and aligned correctly before placing any masonry on top. Adjust with mortar as necessary.
Immediate Masonry: The CN71A is designed to carry a full load of wet masonry immediately. Begin laying bricks or blocks on the lintel as soon as it is correctly seated.
Propping (Optional for Shorter Spans, Recommended for Longer Spans): While designed to be self-supporting for wet masonry, for very long spans or where additional stability is desired during construction, temporary propping might be considered, though it's not strictly required by design for the immediate wet masonry load.
Wall Type: Specifically designed for external solid wall applications and narrow cavity walls from 70mm.
Load: Standard Duty lintel, suitable for typical structural loads found in residential and light commercial solid wall construction.
Dimensions: Typical dimensions are 200mm - 215mm to integrate seamlessly with solid wall construction.
The Catnic CN71A Lintel requires minimal ongoing care due to its inherent durability:
Corrosion Protection: The Duplex Corrosion Protection (galvanised steel + powder coating) provides excellent resistance to rust and weathering. Avoid scratching or damaging the powder coat during handling and installation to maintain this protection.
Inspection: Periodically inspect exposed areas (if any) for signs of damage or corrosion, especially in harsh environments. Any significant damage to the coating should be addressed to prevent long-term issues.
Cleaning: If cleaning is necessary, use a mild detergent and water with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or tools that could damage the protective coating.