Does it need a new lintel

I am opening up an old fire place to allow us to install a log burner. I will post a seperate thread showing the project when completed.

I have uncovered the previously blocked up opening and the brickwork looks fairly sound. I have also opened up one of the top corners to see if the arch self supporting. There is a metal strap/lintel under the brickwork as pics below.

Questions;

1) Am i safe to remove the blockwork infill
2) Is the metal support and brick arch good to be left or should i install an RC lintel below and brick up between?

 

I reckon you need to take about another 6" of plaster off all round so we can see a bit more of the brickwork

 

Errr, it's an arch! Half the world is held up with arches so your chimney should be ok.

 

Apparently arches do hold up!

Fireplace now fully opened and sound. Brickwork look in good order and a nice pattern to show off as part of the final finish.

What are the pair of 2 bricks at the back? Was this a vent in the original fire? They sit higher than the base at the front so am i ok to cut them flush with the back of the chimney and then fill the base with concrete to give a nice level to install the hearth?

 

Ta-dah!

 

That made me chuckle... Apparently the arches hold up....

If you've got a plasterer coming in afterwards, they do prefer if they have a clean line , so where all the jagged knocked of plaster is, just get an angle grinder and square it all up, then they have a nice straight line to go upto.

 

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