Restoring a Failing Lintel in Memphis, TN: How Expert Diagnostics and Proven Methods Saved a Home from Future Foundation Trouble

Understanding the Serious Warning Signs of a Sagging Floor

When floors begin to sag, homeowners often assume it’s a minor inconvenience or a cosmetic issue. In reality, sagging floors can signal structural movement happening behind the scenes. That was the case for Jennifer P. of Memphis, TN, who knew something was wrong but wasn’t convinced anyone had the right answers—until our team performed a detailed inspection that revealed the true cause.

During our assessment, we used a precision laser level to show Jennifer exactly how far her lintel had sagged and why the structure was failing. What initially appeared to be a moderate concern (Stage 2 lintel failure) was actually a more severe Stage 3 failure. Left unaddressed, it had the potential to develop into foundation settlement compounded by an existing irrigation leak. While no settlement had yet occurred, the risk for future structural damage was clear.

Our diagnostic process restored Jennifer’s confidence in our expertise, and she immediately moved forward with the repair. For her, the goal was simple: gain peace of mind, protect her home’s value, and avoid needing to revisit this problem ever again.

Why Professional Lintel Repair Matters: Protecting Structural Integrity and Property Value

A failing lintel is more than a cosmetic issue—it compromises the support that holds brickwork and openings in place. When left untreated, sagging can worsen, cracks can expand, and entire wall systems may shift or weaken.

Our inspection also revealed early signs of concrete failure and empty expansion joints, which the customer declined to address at this time. However, identifying these issues early creates future opportunities to protect additional areas of her home before they create bigger, costlier problems.

This is why accurate diagnostics and proper repair methods matter: they prevent minor issues from evolving into structural emergencies.

The Repair Process: Expert Installation Using Proven Products and Techniques

Precision Materials: NexusPro and Sand for Lasting Stability

For this repair, we used a combination of limestone colored NexusPro, and sand to resolve the lintel failure and reinforce the surrounding structure. The customer requested that the NexusPro joints match the existing mortar joints, so our crew carefully created bevels and lines to seamlessly blend the repair into the original façade.

Detailed Execution to Recover Lift and Realign Brickwork

Restoring a sagging lintel requires both expertise and patience. Our team attempted five lifts—one using a bottle jack and four using hydraulic driving cylinders. Through these repeated, controlled lifts, we successfully restored 5/8 inch of lift, a meaningful correction for a lintel in Stage 3 failure.

We also:

• Rotated displaced bricks back into proper alignment
• Installed two layers of scaffolding to ensure a safe and stable work environment
• Added additional brick ties through the header and brick layers to reinforce the structure and provide extra security
• Delivered a final product that blended visually and structurally with the original wall

These steps weren’t just “extra effort.” They ensured long-term stability and gave both the homeowner and our crew total confidence in the repair.

Why This Homeowner Ultimately Chose Us

Jennifer admitted she was overwhelmed—“treading water” with her home projects—and needed a partner she could trust. Once we demonstrated the true condition of the lintel and explained exactly why the problem was occurring, her uncertainty turned into full confidence.

By choosing our team, she removed one major stressor from her renovation list and made an investment in the long-term health and value of her home.

Protect Your Home Before Structural Problems Worsen

Sagging floors, cracked brick, or failing lintels are not issues to ignore. Early detection and proven repair methods can prevent severe structural damage, costly repairs, and major disruptions to your renovation plans.

If you’re noticing signs of structural concerns—or simply want peace of mind—our experts are ready to help.

Contact us today to schedule your inspection and protect the value of your home.