Cracked fireplace Lintel, Replace, Repair or Leave alone

[Enoki]

Hi, first post of many just opened up our fireplace to install a log burner. One question...

Can someone have a little look to see if what might be causing the hairline cracks in the lintel? Does it need sorting.

Cheers in advance!!!

 

[Madrab]

Heat damage would be my guess, if they are substantial, can't see clearly/closely enough to say.

If they progress then the the breast above will start to sag.

 

[Enoki]

That's what I thought, perhaps installing spiral bar(s) is the easiest fix? They are only hairline cracks at the moment.

Cheers

 

[Madrab]

It should be a pre-stressed lintel anyway and that should already have rebar set in. Unless it's really old.

I'd get a recommended chimney specialist in, at least for an opinion

 

[muggles]

Can't see any cracks but the lintel doesn't look to be properly supported at the ends. If you're doing the job, do it properly and get that fixed

 

[Enoki]

Yeah, I think ill ahve to get a specialist to look at it, I noticed a crack i the concrete hearth as well, not sure its a DIY job I'm up to lol.