Does it need a new lintel

[padstar]

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?

 

[mikeey84]

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

 

[^woody^]

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

 

[padstar]

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?

 

[^woody^]

Ta-dah!

 

[paulandfrodo]

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.