Lintel Hunting - 1930's Builders Opening

Matt Richardson · 6 Jan 2021

Hi All,

I'm removing an old gas fire and opening up the opening in my 1930's semi.
The Gas was capped off by a pro gas man months ago and I got the fire and surround off no problem. I started removing the plaster to find the edge of the builders opening which I found easy enough (the area in blue). I then started chasing the plaster up the wall to find the original lintel - hoping it would be somewhere in the red area - but i cant find it!?!?!

Has the original lintel been removed when the gas fire was put in?

There is a metal L profile bar at the underside of the current gas fire opening.

And this is the view up the chimney - the change in bricks happens about 4 brick rows above the small gas fire opening.

I'm about 5ft off the floor now - surely there has to be a lintel in there somewhere???

dontbelieveawordofit · 6 Jan 2021

Matt Richardson · 6 Jan 2021

Hi Benny,

I was wanting to make the opening a bit bigger, both wider and about 4 courses higher.

tel765 · 6 Jan 2021

If your purpose in opening up is to install an appliance eg a stove etc. then you must work to Mfr's dimensions.
When you know exactly your height & width dimensions then come back & I'll show you how to safely open up and lintel over - or, if you prefer, how to build a brick arch over the new opening.
The original opening possibly had a brick arch.

Matt Richardson · 6 Jan 2021

it wont have an appliance inside, its just going to be boarded out and be a decorative alcove. it might have a plant or something in it - but not a heat generating appliance.
the whole breast will be replastered so i dont fancy tackling a brick arch.
i was heading more in the direction of using a couple of strongboys to prop up the breast and add a concrete lintle.
how big does the lintle need to be? (as in how much wider than the span does it need to be?)
would something like this doe the job?
https://www.jewson.co.uk/p/supreme-concrete-prestressed-lintel-p100120-1200-x-65-x-100mm-LNBRN011

really appreciate the help

Hugh Jaleak · 6 Jan 2021

Looking at that brickwork, I have to wonder if the original arch has been removed/fell down, given the pattern of what looks like newer brickwork in an inverted 'V', above that opening. This would possibly correspond with replaced brickwork if the original had collapsed.

tel765 · 6 Jan 2021

agreed

tel765 · 6 Jan 2021

You could take your measurement to Jewson's or similar building supplier and use what they recom.
Best is always 150mm per side bearing but in your case you could cut that to 100mm to 75mm per bearing.

Matt Richardson · 7 Jan 2021

great stuff - thanks.

Matt Richardson · 13 Jan 2021

thanks for all the info guys. how many strongboys do you think i should use? the span of the new lintel is about 90cm (i've got a 120cm lintel).
I've seen lots of folks who wouldn't even use 1 so I'm thinking 1 strongboy set 2 courses about the new lintle should be plenty?

What do you think?

Ta

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Lintel Hunting - 1930's Builders Opening

dontbelieveawordofit

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