Base of fireplace on 2nd floor

[macadonald]

Hi Guys,

Just removed a chimney breast from the loft downwards on the front side of the house. Well, just removed the 2nd floor for now, downstairs will follow. Used gallows brackets with resin set bolts and pre stressed concrete lintel. Messy, but good fun..

Q, what is likely to support the concrete that forms the area in front of the fireplace. This is the area that forms a rectangle about 30cm in front of the breast and I guess acts as a solid base for burnign embers and heat. I will want to remove it, but just curious how this is likely to be supported in the floor joists?

Thanks

 

[Ricke21]

keeping in mind that all jobs are different. You should find that it was just cast en situ. The sides are formed with a tilt so when concrete sets it's supported. (poor diagram --> \_____/ ) sorry but it should give an idea on how it stays up there. You won't have any structural problems taking it out. It would be an idea to support the ceiling bellow to save damage. A sheet of ply and an acro will do the job.

 

[stuart45]

Ricke21's advice is spot on, but his drawing might be a bit hard to follow.
This one might help.

Untitled

• stuart45
• 27 Feb 2011
• 2

 

[macadonald]

Great advice guys. Thanks!

 

[handyman77]

Are you sure building regs will allow a lintel and gallows bracket. Anything we have done in the last 18 months has required and RSJ to support the chimney. Did a SE specify this? If not the removal of the hearth is the least of your worries. Personally we have previously done loads of the Galloway bracket and lintel supports, but this is now deemed inadequate at least in London.