Fireplace Unblock

[Voogy]

Hi,

I have recently removed some plaster to determine my fireplace builders opening.

This is what I found:-





This seems a pretty big opening for a small 2 bed house (1939 built) judging by the arch support and the (what appear to me) to be clear cut edges taking all the chimney breasts apart from a single brick length either side.

The fireback appears to be a later addition as there is no heat damage on it and the cement above it is clean. It was housing a log 'effect' electric fire before i pulled that out.


Anyone opened something similar to this up?

What will be behind?
Is it safe to open up to the edges and up to arch?

It just seems soooo big!!

 

[Lower]

Yes, you can open it up to the arch.

What you'll then have is the standard builder's opening. You then fill it to accommodate whatever size fire you want to fit.

 

[ree]

As above. Read Similar Topics at the bottom of this page.

You will have to wire brush the soot off any remaining bricks on the c/breast face, and in the fire opening.
You should also get the flue swept - get all your flues swept at the same time.