Lintels & Cills

Lintels & cills are essential structural components that provide support above openings and protect the base of window and door frames from weather damage. Whether you're building new extensions, replacing worn elements, or working on renovation projects, selecting the right lintel and cill combination ensures long-term structural integrity and a professional finish to any masonry work.

Our Lintel and Cill Range

McMahons stocks a comprehensive selection of load-bearing and weatherproofing solutions for residential and commercial builds.

• Concrete Cills - precast concrete window cills providing a durable, weather-resistant sill finish beneath window openings. Available in a range of lengths to suit standard window widths, offering a clean, low-maintenance profile that is ready to install and paint or render.
• Concrete Lintels - precast aggregate concrete lintels for supporting masonry above window and door openings. Suitable for heavy-duty and high-load applications in both blockwork and brickwork construction, available in a range of standard lengths and cross-sections including 6x3 inch profiles.
• Galvanised Lintels - lightweight, load-bearing hot-dip galvanised ribbed steel lintels designed for use with block and brick construction. Our range includes SK90 double lintels for 100mm cavity walls in lengths from 1200mm to 2100mm, and galvanised angle lintels for single-leaf applications, suitable for spanning window and door openings in modern cavity wall builds.
• Pier Caps - precast concrete pier caps for finishing the top of gate piers and decorative brick or block columns. Currently available in a 550x550mm size, providing a weatherproof cap that protects the pier head from water ingress and gives a neat, finished appearance.

For a complete structural solution, browse our full range of Building Materials alongside complementary Bricks & Blocks for your masonry projects.

When choosing components, consider the opening width, wall type (cavity or solid), and load requirements. Steel suits wider spans and heavier loads, while concrete works well for standard domestic openings. For cills, material choice depends on aesthetic preference and exposure level — stone offers character, while metal provides low maintenance.

Why Choose McMahons for Structural Components?

With nearly two centuries of experience serving Irish builders, our team understands the technical demands of structural work. Our branch staff can advise on span tables, bearing requirements, and Building Regulations compliance to ensure you specify correctly first time. Ready to discuss your project requirements? Find your nearest McMahons branch for expert guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of lintel do I need for my project?

The right lintel depends on the wall type, span, and load. Steel lintels are ideal for most modern builds, while concrete lintels suit heavy-duty or high-load applications.

2. Can lintels be used in cavity walls?

Yes. Cavity wall lintels are specifically designed to support the inner and outer leaves of cavity wall structures while maintaining insulation continuity.

3. Are concrete cills suitable for all window types?

Concrete cills are compatible with most window systems and offer excellent weather resistance, making them suitable for both traditional and contemporary designs.

4. Do lintels need additional insulation?

Some modern steel lintels come with built-in insulation. For others, additional insulation may be required to prevent thermal bridging. Always check manufacturer guidance.

5. How do I choose the correct lintel size?

Measure the width of the opening and select a lintel with adequate bearing on both sides. Structural loads should also be considered. Consult a structural engineer for complex projects.