Need for lintel when making openings below the window

[Kuddes67]

Do you need to install a lintel if you are replacing an existing small window with a door? That is, if you are going to make a hole in and under the window to make room for a door? The walls are made of lightweight concrete.

 

[jonaserik]

Lightweight concrete, there is a beam above that extends about 10 - 15 cm on either side of the window and supports the rest of the blocks above. There must be a beam, otherwise, the ones above will want to sink and crack. Talk to someone who knows, it's not easy to replace it.

 

[Kuddes67]

Do I understand correctly that if the hole is not made wider or higher than the window, no reinforcement is needed?

What does the beam look like and what is it normally made of? Is it built into the lightweight concrete or should it be visible on the outside?

I've seen neighboring houses and when the hole was made, there were only lightweight concrete blocks visible on the sides. Nothing was visible upwards since no cutting was done above the window's edge. In other words, they just made a hole right under the window without making it wider.

 

[BirgitS]

If the opening for the door does not need to be wider than the opening for the window, then you should not need to change the header.

 

[tergo]

Do I understand correctly that if no hole is made wider or higher than the window, then no header is needed?

Yes

 

[Kuddes67]

Thank you!