Florida Home Inspector Practice Test

What occurs to steel lintels over doors and windows in masonry walls as they rust?

1. They generate horizontal cracks in the mortar joints at the windows' top corners

2. They completely deteriorate within years

3. They cause the wall to collapse

4. They expand, causing the bricks to break

The correct answer is: They generate horizontal cracks in the mortar joints at the windows' top corners

When steel lintels rust, they undergo a process of corrosion that results in oxidation. This rusting causes the steel to expand, which exerts pressure on the surrounding masonry. As the lintel expands due to the formation of rust, it can create stress in the mortar joints and the bricks adjacent to it. Over time, this leads to the generation of horizontal cracks, particularly at the top corners of windows, where the pressure is greatest. This phenomenon highlights the importance of proper maintenance and inspection of structures with steel lintels, as ignoring signs of rust and expansion can lead to more severe structural issues in the future. Understanding this process is vital for home inspectors, as it directly relates to assessing the condition of masonry walls and their components.