Can I open a bigger chimney hole (see picture)

[apj101]

hi guys

I want to open up the chimney to put in a wardrobe, as in the picture below
see the red area the i need to open up (about 2.4m high) there is about 40-50cms remaining on the left and right to support the weight of the chimney above. Is this doable as 2.4m is pretty high !!
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/4677/img0928wi6.jpg

thanks

 

[noseall]

it is doable, but i'm unsure of the suitability of the remaining masonry.

if a great deal of solid fuel has been burned within this fireplace in the past, then there may be a problem with the masonry.

if the wardrobe is very snug fitting, allowing little room for the passage of air, then damp could be a problem. particularly if hygroscopic salts are present.

 

[apj101]

thanks
I will check out the masonary when it is knocked out. I suspect it has not been heavily used, but its a good point.

I will put a vent in there somewhere as well to prevent damp

thanks a lot

anything else to think about?

 

[noseall]

p.c.c. builders lintels will be ok to secure the remaining brickwork but you will probably need a pair, should the masonry turn out to be 9" at this point.

 

[apj101]

a pair, so one for the back nearer the back wall and one to go in front.

the depth of the breast is about 26cm, so 9" by the time you take the plaster off.

 

[noseall]

suck it and see.

may only require one. there are also 6" wide lintels available.

 

[In Your Face]

hi guys

I want to open up the chimney to put in a wardrobe, as in the picture below
see the red area the i need to open up (about 2.4m high) there is about 40-50cms remaining on the left and right to support the weight of the chimney above. Is this doable as 2.4m is pretty high !!
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/4677/img0928wi6.jpg

thanks

Man, that fire surround looks proper! Dont do it.

 

[ColJack]

you will most likely knock thousands off the value of the house if you do this..

also, what about rain and such getting in form outside, cold air down the chimney

use the fireplace downstairs do you? where will it's flue gasses go?

for what will be about 6 inches of recess, is it worth it? just get built in wardrobes either side and a shallow one for the center..