True or False: Steel lintels should be coated with a rust-resistant material.

Steel lintels should indeed be coated with a rust-resistant material to ensure their longevity and structural integrity. Steel, as a metal, is prone to corrosion when it is exposed to moisture and other environmental factors. Rust can weaken the material significantly and lead to structural failures over time.

Coating steel lintels with a rust-resistant material, such as paint, galvanization, or other protective coatings, helps prevent moisture infiltration and mitigates the risk of rust formation. This protective measure is critical regardless of whether the lintels are visibly exposed or located in areas where they may be indirectly affected by moisture, such as under roof overhangs or in regions with high humidity.

While other options may consider specific scenarios regarding moisture exposure, the general practice of applying a rust-resistant coating applies universally to ensure durability and reliability, highlighting the importance of this preventive step in construction practices.