Lintel
A lintel is a horizontal support beam that goes across the top of doors, windows, or other openings in masonry construction. Think of it like a bridge that carries the weight of the wall above an opening. Without lintels, the wall above doors and windows would collapse. They can be made from different materials like steel, concrete, wood, or stone, depending on the building's needs. When reviewing resumes in masonry or construction, you'll often see this term because it's a fundamental element in building construction that requires specific skills to install correctly.
Examples in Resumes
Installed Lintel|Lintels in over 200 residential construction projects
Supervised proper Steel Lintel placement for commercial building windows
Managed Precast Lintel installations for multi-story apartment complex
Typical job title: "Masonry Workers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Masonry Workers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Training Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you determine the appropriate size and material for a lintel in a large commercial project?
Expected Answer: A senior mason should explain how they consider factors like the width of the opening, wall thickness, load requirements, and building codes. They should mention experience with different materials and when to consult structural engineers.
Q: Describe a challenging lintel installation you've managed and how you solved any problems.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate project management skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience handling complex installations including coordination with other trades and ensuring safety protocols.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the different types of lintels you've worked with and their proper installation methods?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe steel, concrete, and stone lintels, proper leveling techniques, and understanding of proper support during installation.
Q: How do you ensure proper water drainage above a lintel installation?
Expected Answer: Should explain flashing installation, weep holes, and proper sealing techniques to prevent water damage.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What safety measures do you take when installing lintels?
Expected Answer: Should mention proper lifting techniques, use of safety equipment, importance of temporary supports, and following supervisor instructions.
Q: How do you prepare the area for lintel installation?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic measurement techniques, cleaning the area, ensuring proper tools are available, and understanding the importance of level installation.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic lintel installation assistance
- Understanding of different lintel types
- Basic safety procedures
- Tool operation and maintenance
Mid (2-5 years)
- Independent lintel installation
- Reading construction blueprints
- Material selection knowledge
- Problem identification and solving
Senior (5+ years)
- Project supervision
- Complex installation management
- Team leadership
- Quality control expertise
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic safety procedures
- Unable to identify different types of lintels
- Lack of experience with proper measuring techniques
- No understanding of load-bearing principles
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