mark d wrote:
On 30 May 2005 04:22:28 -0700, wrote:

Firstly we dont know what the wall is made from, I'm assuming theres
more to it than just lintels, since they would not stay up on their
own.

1960's house then they are 13 to 14 ft wide and sit on the brick /
sinderblock walls that form the side walls.

Unless Im mistaken, if a concrete lintel sags, it has failed. If this
is your situation, I would not be looking to decorate over the cracks,
as it may possibly be at risk of collapse. Without the necessary info,
really we can not know what is going on, but sagging crete lintels does
not sound good.

Doesnt concrete take a while to fully set? They would have been cast
in situ and sagged over subsequent months. It seems very typical of
60's houses and flats and its not a major problem.

Concrete takes 6 days or so to cure. If it sags even a bit, it has
sheared.

There are some situations in which broken lintels are not a significant
safety issue, but I would not at all assume thats how it is without
knowing the details. If I were the OP I'd want to find out. I dont
think we have enough info to know.


NT