A lintel system for supporting masonry blocks above an opening in a structure includes a lintel configured to span a width of the opening. The lintel includes a single spanning member having a top edge, a bottom edge, and a side face extending between the top and bottom edge. Supports are disposed at longitudinal ends of the single plate member. A stiffener is attached to the lintel for reinforcing the lintel. The stiffener extends in opposed relation to the side face along at least a portion of the side face.