An important design consideration is to determine the appropriate size of lintels and brick ledge for adequate and uniform load bearing. A thicker sheathing such as THERMAX™ (ci) Exterior Insulation may require a wider lintel and brick ledge. Determining lintel and brick ledge size is the responsibility of the architect/designer. According to the Brick Industry Association's Technical Note 31B:
The steel for lintels, as a minimum, should comply with ASTM A36. Steel angle lintels should be at least 1/4" thick with a horizontal leg of at least 3-1/2" for use with nominal 4" thick brick, and 3" for use with nominal 3" thick brick. For most lintels of ordinary wall thickness, loads and spans, a depth of 8" to 16" above the apex is sufficient. If stack bonded masonry is used, horizontal joint reinforcement must be provided to ensure the arching action.
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