Just having a look on google images, I can't find an example of a working open fire with a wooden lintel above it, but I'm sure I have seen these before.
The point is, that I have a working fireplace with a high arch. I want to install a fireback, which is much shorter than the arch, and so I thought I would bring the hieight down using a lintel of sorts.
I would be It seems most people use a concrete lintel to do this, yet I have always been advised never to use concrete in kiln building. Presumably the temperatures of an open fire are just too low to affect the concrete. Maybe a steel lintel would be better?
Assuming this is the way to go, I could then face it off with some hardwood. Would this wood need to be treated with a fireproof chemical?
Or could I just use a fireproofed wooden lintel. The arch will still be present, supporting the chimney so the wood wouldn't be supporting the weight.
However, didn't they used to use big heavy wooden lintels above wood fires historically?
Just looking at some options.
The point is, that I have a working fireplace with a high arch. I want to install a fireback, which is much shorter than the arch, and so I thought I would bring the hieight down using a lintel of sorts.
I would be It seems most people use a concrete lintel to do this, yet I have always been advised never to use concrete in kiln building. Presumably the temperatures of an open fire are just too low to affect the concrete. Maybe a steel lintel would be better?
Assuming this is the way to go, I could then face it off with some hardwood. Would this wood need to be treated with a fireproof chemical?
Or could I just use a fireproofed wooden lintel. The arch will still be present, supporting the chimney so the wood wouldn't be supporting the weight.
However, didn't they used to use big heavy wooden lintels above wood fires historically?
Just looking at some options.
