Standard windows (e.g. screwfix) are specified for brickwork opening heights in multilples of 75mm, i.e. 65 brick + 10 mortar. This suggests that the lintel above the window is the same height as the top of a brick, i.e. not bedded on mortar. Is this correct, or should be lintel be bedded with mortar above and below, e.g. 5mm, such that the overall mortar is still
Finish the brickwork level with the top of the window and then sit th lintel tight on the brickwork. you might need a small bed under on corner to stop any wobbles. The brickwork then carries on with a ful bed on top of the lintel
-- Nick H
Bricks are not like lego so a 65mm brick can typically vary from 62 to
68mm. The joints can vary accordingly.A typical steel lintel has a chamfered front edge, and so will not sit flat on brickwork without some mortar bed. In addition, it has to sit on a solid bed and so any frogs in the bricks should be filled. Manufacturers specify the bearing bed requirement.
Then you may need a slight bed at the front of the lintel otherwise the bricks will bulge out when laid. You may also have to chip the back lower arris off to get the first course plumb on the face.
At the end of the day the course on the lintel has to line through with that either side, and you bed up or down or chip some back edges to make sure that it does. Or have a course of soldiers. The bed on the lintel may or may not be the same thickness as other bed joints.
dg
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