Presently welded components are designed using S/N curves which predict only the fatigue life of the component. In order to ascertain the condition of the weld at any intermediate period of its life inspection is carried out. If cracks are detected in a weld fracture mechanics is used to find their remaining life. A procedure for assessment is developed here that can be used to verify the condition of a weld before inspection is carried out to detect cracks. This simple method has been developed using linear fracture envelopes by combining S/N curves with linear elastic fracture mechanics.