Veneer Lintels, Shelf Angles

Function & Code Requirements

Lintels provide support of brickwork over masonry openings and are supported by bearing on masonry at the jambs on either side of the opening. Shelf angles are typically installed at each floor and support the weight of the brickwork for that story. As per 6.2.2.3.1 of the 2006 Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures ( reported by the Masonry Standards Joint Committee (MSJC) structures with a maximum veneer height of 30 ft from foundation to top of wall and 38 ft from foundation to top of gable can have their entire brick veneer supported directly on a foundation wall, footing or non-combustible support without shelf angles. Brick above these limits must be supported by shelf angles at each floor.

Veneer Lintels

Sizing

Lintels and shelf angles must be sized by an engineer to meet the strength requirements of the steel design code. Lintels and shelf angles are also sized to be very stiff to minimize masonry cracks. Design codes call for a maximum deflection between support points of L/600 or 0.3" and rotation of less than 1/16". The horizontal leg of all angles should be sized to support a minimum of 2/3 the thickness of the veneer wythe.

Detailing Shelf Angles

Corrosion Protection

For severe climates and exposures, consideration should be given to the use of galvanized or stainless steel shelf angles. At a minimum, steel angles should be shop primed with a corrosion inhibitive coating and repainted if the steel will be welded. Even where these materials are used, continuous flashing should be installed to cover the angle.

Literature Review Corrosion Protection Miscellaneous Steel in Masonry

Anchorage to Backup

Lintel Angle Placement

Lipping Brick at Shelf Angles

In order to conceal the front edge of the steel lintel, a common practice is to lip the brick so that the front face extends over the steel angle.

Shelf Angle Detail - Lipped Brick

Companies Offering Lintels

Company	City	State
Hohmann and Barnard, Inc.	Hauppauge	NY
Espinoza Stone, Inc.	Jarrell	TX
Indiana Limestone Fabricators	Spencer	IN
ACME BRICK COMPANY	FORT WORTH	TX
Ernest Maier, Inc.	Bladensburg	MD
Mutual Materials Company	Bellevue	WA
South Atlantic Masonry Products	Chattanooga	TN
York Building Products Co., Inc.	York	PA
Acme Brick Company	Euless	TX
Block-Lite Co. Inc.	Flagstaff	AZ
Continental Cut Stone	Florence	TX
ORCO Block & Hardscape	Stanton	CA
Thompson Building Materials, Inc.	San Diego	CA
Tucker-Kirby Co.	Charlotte	NC