What is the metal piece above a window called?

Author: Mr. Matt Schulist Jr.  |  Last update: Friday, April 24, 2026

Window Drip Cap Also referred to as head flashing, drip cap is a formed metal or vinyl flashing, which is installed at the top of windows and doors.

What is the metal support above a window called?

Window lintels are beams that run along the top of windows in order to support and properly distribute the structure's overall weight. In the past, they would most often be found in masonry or brick structures, but nowadays they are a requirement in any building without proper weight support.

What is the metal above a window?

The lintel above a window serves a vital purpose, just like the one above a door. Lintels are primarily used in masonry and brick buildings to support the weight of structures above windows, doors and other wall openings.

What is the thing above the window called?

1. Head. The horizontal piece at the top of the window frame is called the head.

What is the metal plate above a window called?

A lintel is a type of structural support used in buildings. They are installed horizontally above opening such as doors and windows to support the load of the structure above. Lintels can be made of bricks, concrete, timber or metal.

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What is the metal piece on top of a window?

Window Drip Cap

Also referred to as head flashing, drip cap is a formed metal or vinyl flashing, which is installed at the top of windows and doors. Drip cap is designed to shed water out and away from a window or door and prevent it from infiltrating into the home.

Is a cracked lintel serious?

Because of the seriousness of lintel failure and the likelihood of an imminent foundation collapse, we highly recommend hiring a structural building inspector to identify the underlying cause of the cracks.

What is the decorative piece above a window?

Pediments are decorative features that are placed at the tops of windows or doors that add charm, sophistication, and value to your home. The window pediment is an underutilized exterior feature. Too often, homeowners forget how much an understated accent to windows and pediments can add to their home.

What is the structure above a window called?

What is a Window Lintel? A window lintel is a structural element that takes the weight of the masonry above the window opening and transfers the load through the structure. The wider the window opening, the stronger the lintel will have to be. Lintels carry the weight so the window doesn't have to.

What hangs above a window?

A valance is typically a soft fabric panel that hangs loosely from a board installed at the top of your window treatment. However, there are also upholstered, wood and metal valance options for drapery, blinds and shades.

Is it safe to drill into a lintel?

Concrete lintel can be more forgiving to drill into than steel lintel, but you'll need masonry drill bits for the task. Steel Lintels: Often found in modern buildings, steel lintels support heavy loads. Drilling into steel lintels requires specific drill bits, particularly good quality HSS bits (high speed steel).

What are the metal window covers called?

Metal Shutters for Windows Offer Several Benefits

Shutters have always been used to keep the elements out and provide peace of mind. However, modern metal window shutters have even more advantages. They can be used in residential buildings, commercial and industrial plants, holiday homes, and offices.

What is the bit above a window called?

Window Head: Almost self-explanatory, the head is the main horizontal part of the frame, located at the very top.

What is the framing above a window called?

Headers are horizontal framing members most commonly installed over a window or door opening. They are used for openings that are greater in width than standard stud spacing, and function to support the load above the opening of a window or door.

What does a lintel look like?

A lintel, in its simplest form, can be defined as a horizontal beam that spans on opening, effectively distributing the weight of the structure above it to the surrounding vertical supports.

How much does it cost to replace a window lintel?

Factors such as the size of the opening, whether it's a window or a larger span like a garage door, can affect this valuation, with window lintel replacements generally costing between £600 and £1,200.

What is the metal above window called?

A lintel or I-beam is a piece of steel that spans an opening (e.g., a door or window) and supports the masonry above it.

What is the thing above a window called?

Head. The head is the main horizontal part forming the top of the window frame. Jambs. Jambs are the main vertical parts forming the sides of a window frame.

What is the support above a window called?

Simply put a lintel is a beam that is usually placed above windows and doors. The lintel's main job is to support the load from the structure above it. Both doors and windows are not constructed to structurally withstand massive loads by themselves. Lintels are mainly found in masonry or brick structures.

What is the design above a window called?

Lintel. A horizontal shape above the door or window opening. GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) and GFRP (architectural fiberglass) lintels are not structural in and of themselves, but are used to wrap and protect steel or concrete structural lintels. Neoclassical Style.

What is a mullion?

A mullion is a vertical element that forms a division between units of a window or screen, or is used decoratively. It is also often used as a division between double doors. When dividing adjacent window units its primary purpose is a rigid support to the glazing of the window.

What is the difference between a cornice and a parapet?

Cornice: Decorated trim work placed along the top of a wall. Parapet: A wall that ex- tends above the roofline.

Is replacing a lintel a big job?

Steel Lintel Repair

The work required to remove an old lintel is quite extensive. The load above the lintel will require propping (by using acrow props or similar), and there will likely be a need for an access scaffold to reach all areas.

Can you fix into a lintel?

It is entirely possible to drill into a concrete lintel, however, it will not be easy, and there may be some consequences, especially when you are doing it on your own. When it is incorrectly done, damaging your concrete lintel can be a result, and you will need to have it repaired.

Do I need a structural engineer to replace a lintel?

Whilst you might not need a structural engineer for a lintel repair job, having a technician certified in structural repairs take on the lintel restoration or repair is going to save you a lot of hassle and money in the long run – and come along with a guarantee if you go with a properly accredited company.

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