Attempting to break out an old chimney breast on an old terraced house (circa 1900) - expected to find a lintel or archway. Already gone quite high and worried about removing too much - anybody ever come across something like this? Looks like a slim channel opening inside with really ropey brick work… any advice appreciated!
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Breaking out chimney(breast) - can’t find lintel or arch?
- Thread starter Joff71
- Start date
- Joined
- 26 Apr 2023
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How high above the floor did you start?
It looks like there is modern cement on the bottom half, so maybe it was taken out when work was done previously..
It looks like there is modern cement on the bottom half, so maybe it was taken out when work was done previously..
Started quite low - 2-3 ft from the floor and worked up… the top of the broken plaster is roughly just under 5ft. I think it’s been taken out as well… just been wondering how now to proceed….
The bottom is really tough and does appear to have a modern fix - I probably need to get someone out to show me what is safe to remove(?)
The bottom is really tough and does appear to have a modern fix - I probably need to get someone out to show me what is safe to remove(?)
How high do you actually need the opening? Much higher than seems sensible, so why not buy and install a suitable lintel, then add bricks above it, to support it?
Yes… foolishly I was looking for an archway or lintel that I believed might be there. What you suggest is now my thinking…
But still worried about what’s inside - if that is supporting anything etc… made a bit of a mess of it, but will sort it…
Thank you.
But still worried about what’s inside - if that is supporting anything etc… made a bit of a mess of it, but will sort it…
Thank you.
- Joined
- 26 Apr 2023
- Messages
- 96
- Reaction score
- 13
- Country
3foot could easily be the height of the original opening.
What is your end goal?
These websites might help:
https://stovefitterswarehouse.co.uk/pages/introduction-2
Or
https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice/how-to-remove-a-chimney-breast
What is your end goal?
These websites might help:
https://stovefitterswarehouse.co.uk/pages/introduction-2
Or
https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice/how-to-remove-a-chimney-breast
It wasn't foolish to look for a lintel or arch - the original fireplace opening would most definitely have had a brick arch. How else would the fireplace opening have been supported?
There's masses of threads on here about opening up chimney breasts and wood burners - the search button is top right.
There's masses of threads on here about opening up chimney breasts and wood burners - the search button is top right.
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