What is the horizontal structural member that spans above an opening such as a door called?

What is the horizontal structural member that spans above an opening such as a door called?

• A. Lintel
• B. Jamb
• C. Sill
• D. Header

Answer: (A)

The horizontal piece that spans over an opening and carries the weight of the wall above is called a lintel. It sits across the top of doors or windows and transfers loads from above to the sides of the opening, helping to keep the wall stable. In masonry or concrete walls, you’ll often see lintels made of steel, reinforced concrete, stone, or timber, sized to support the wall above the opening. The vertical sides of the opening are the jambs, and the bottom edge is the sill. In wood-frame construction, a similar top piece is sometimes called a header, but the standard term for the horizontal support over openings in many building contexts is lintel.

The horizontal piece that spans over an opening and carries the weight of the wall above is called a lintel. It sits across the top of doors or windows and transfers loads from above to the sides of the opening, helping to keep the wall stable. In masonry or concrete walls, you’ll often see lintels made of steel, reinforced concrete, stone, or timber, sized to support the wall above the opening. The vertical sides of the opening are the jambs, and the bottom edge is the sill. In wood-frame construction, a similar top piece is sometimes called a header, but the standard term for the horizontal support over openings in many building contexts is lintel.