Lintel Replacement in Montreal: What Homeowners Needs to Know

Your brick walls may look strong on the surface—but what lies above your windows and doors could be the weak point you never thought to inspect. Lintels are one of the most critical structural elements in masonry construction, yet they’re often the first to fail due to age, rust, or poor installation. At JV Deco, we specialize in lintel replacement in Montreal, offering safe, efficient, and code-compliant services that protect your home’s structure and prevent costly damage. If you’ve noticed cracks above your windows or bricks sagging outward, your lintels may be telling you it’s time to act. What Is a Lintel and Why Is It So Important? A lintel is a horizontal support beam—usually made of steel, concrete, or stone—installed above windows and doors in masonry walls. Its job is simple but essential: carry the load of the bricks above the opening and distribute it evenly to prevent collapse. Over time, lintels in Montreal homes are exposed to: When a lintel fails, it can compromise both the structural stability and the weatherproofing of your wall. Common Signs You Need a Lintel Replaced Not sure if you need a new lintel? Here are some of the most common warning signs we see in the field: Step cracks above windows or doors These are diagonal or staircase-shaped cracks in the brick, often indicating that the lintel is no longer supporting the load. Sagging bricks If the masonry above your window is drooping or bowing outward, the lintel may be rusted or corroded. Rust stains or flaking paint near openings Visible rust is a major red flag—especially with steel lintels embedded in brick. Water infiltration around frames A failing lintel can allow water to bypass the building envelope, leading to mold, rot, and insulation damage. Why Lintel Failure Is a Serious Structural Problem Ignoring a compromised lintel doesn’t just lead to cosmetic cracks—it can cause: In fact, in older homes in areas like Westmount, Plateau-Mont-Royal, and NDG, we often find lintels that haven’t been inspected or replaced in decades, even though the surrounding brick may look intact. Our Lintel Replacement Process at JV Deco We approach each project with care, precision, and decades of field experience. Here’s how our typical masonry lintel replacement process works: 1. Assessment & Structural Diagnosis We inspect not only the lintel but also the condition of the surrounding brick, flashing, mortar joints, and support areas. If the damage has spread, we’ll recommend repointing or brick replacement as part of the solution. 2. Safe Dismantling of Brickwork Our team removes the brick course above the lintel without damaging the surrounding facade. We use specialized hand tools and support systems to prevent collapse during the removal. 3. Removal of the Damaged Lintel Whether it’s a rusted steel angle iron or cracked concrete lintel, we remove it entirely and check for water damage in adjacent materials. 4. Installation of the New Lintel We install a new galvanized steel lintel, stone, or custom concrete unit, depending on the structure and aesthetic needs of the property. We ensure proper slope, load-bearing alignment, and drainage. 5. Waterproofing & Flashing This is where many older lintels fail. We install flashing and weep systems to keep water out and extend the lifespan of the structure. 6. Reconstruction of the Brickwork We relay the original bricks whenever possible, using matching mortar and traditional masonry techniques to preserve your home’s appearance. 7. Final Inspection & Cleanup We ensure the lintel is structurally sound, water-tight, and cleanly integrated into the surrounding masonry. The site is cleaned, and a follow-up plan is provided for ongoing maintenance. Case Study: Rusted Lintel Replacement in Plateau-Mont-Royal A homeowner contacted us after noticing stair-step cracks and water stains above their second-floor windows. The bricks were sagging slightly, and water had begun to infiltrate the interior plaster. Upon inspection, we found: Our solution: Outcome: The home’s facade was restored, water issues were resolved, and the client avoided much costlier repairs that would have followed had the structure continued to degrade. “JV Deco did an excellent job restoring our brick wall and replacing the lintel. The quality of their work is outstanding, and their service is top-notch. Highly recommend!” – Wei Why Choose JV Deco for Lintel Replacement in Montreal? With years of experience across the Montreal region, JV Deco is your trusted choice for masonry lintel replacement and structural brickwork. We’ve worked on heritage properties, duplexes, triplexes, and commercial buildings, always delivering quality and safety. Here’s what sets us apart: Book Your Lintel Inspection Today If you suspect a problem above your windows or doors, don’t wait. Structural failures can happen gradually—or all at once. Get ahead of the issue with a trusted team of experts. Call JV Deco at (514) 889-7947 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a professional inspection. JV Deco – Trusted masonry experts for lintel replacement in Montreal. We protect what holds your walls together.

Spring Masonry Inspections

Spring Masonry Inspections Keep Your Home Safe and Strong with JV Deco Spring is here, and it’s a good time for homeowners to think about a masonry check-up. Winter can take a toll on your property, so when the snow begins to thaw it is a wise decision to call for an inspection in order to catch issues in a timely manner. Let’s dive into why spring is the best time for a masonry check-up and how JV Deco can help keep your home safe and looking great. Why Check Your Masonry in the Spring? Perfect Timing: Spring weather is great for masonry inspections. It’s easier to spot the damages from winter when everything begins to thaw. Timely inspections can save you thousands of repair dollars in the long run. Fixing Winter Wear and Tear: After winter, your home’s exterior might have some deterioration, especially where moisture from the melting snow has gotten into the cracks. As the snow thaws, we can spot any possible water entry and fix the issue immediately before it gets worse. Save on Energy Bills: Fixing any cracks and gaps in your walls during spring can keep your heating costs down come winter again. Sealed cracks mean your home stays warm without wasting heat. How JV Deco Protects Your Home Expert Checks and Fixes: At JV Deco, our team knows what to look for, even the stuff you might not notice yourself. Whether it’s white calcium deposits on your brick, bricks that look like they’re corroding, or old, crumbling mortar joints, we’ve got it covered. We’ll let you know what needs fixing and the best way to do it. Solutions That Last: We don’t just patch things up. We use the best materials and techniques to make sure our fixes last, keeping your home safe and sound for the long haul. Upgrades That Count: In addition to repairs, JV Deco’s masonry services can also offer enhancements that improve both the function and curb appeal of your home. Whether it’s adding a stone veneer to your facade or waterproofing your basement walls, these upgrades can significantly increase your home’s value and durability. Don’t wait for small problems to turn into big headaches. Spring is the ideal time to get a professional masonry inspection done. Get in touch with JV Deco today to ensure your home remains beautiful and above all safe. Just fill out our contact form or give us a call at (514) 889-7947 to set up a meeting and jump into Spring with peace of mind.