Raising Chimney Breast Opening

[alan8376]

The chimney breast is located in my kitchen. The original coalfire was removed 30 yrs ago to allow a central heating oil burner to go in its place.

I have now had a new oil burner sited outside. What I want to do is remove approx 6 rows of upper bricks (but no wider),to allow a large fridge to be sited there.

So, my question is! When I remove the upper row of bricks to insert a concrete lintel. Will I have to wait a couple of weeks for the mortar around the lintel to go off before removing the bricks below? Or can I get away with packing the lintel tight with slate, then removing the six courses of bricks below it with the original lintel?

Thanks
Alan

 

[noseall]

yes, you could dry pack and remove immediately.

or, you could use mortar and remove the next day.

if it not a large span you may even be able to remove all the masonry then insert a lintel.

 

[alan8376]

Thanks for the tip.

Alan