Fireplace opening up, wider lintel? Please help.

[Alex_T]

I've opened up my fire place with the intention of having a stove fitted. Here is a photo of what I've done so far:-

As you can see the opening is quite narrow.

Can I open it up wider myself or does this require building regulation approval?

If I can open it up wider is this actually a good idea as the chimney breast would then be a single brick in thickness? I'm thinking damp might become an issue or possibly the structural integrity?

I would need a wider lintel for the front (150mm bearing each side) but would I also need 2 small lintels for the sides?

Thanks in advance, looking forward to your help.

 

[Alex_T]

See attached image of my dimensions. This is after I've opened up the fireplace. Currently the fireplace is only 460mm wide. The stove dimensions are for a Stovax Stockton 3/4. I'm thinking about using 2x 600mm square slate tiles for the decorative hearth, I think that meets the requirements for this stove. Any thoughts or recommendations are welcome.

 

[ree]

OP, you need to post the dimensions of the actual chimney breast brickwork - post a plan view showing the outside dimensions. Its not clear what kind of c/breast and flue(s) you have.

Does this, and any other, flue go up to a stack?
Does the c/breast project beyond the outside wall, or is that backing wall a party wall?
Is the ground floor (?) solid or suspended?

Presumably you will need a 840mm high x 660mm wide x 350mm deep opening for the appliance?

 

[Alex_T]

Hi ree,

Thanks for your reply.

I have an external chimney breast. It's a detached house although the neighbours have a conservatory against that wall and chimney breast. The chimney breast protrudes on the outside and is 1050mm wide.

There are no other flues connected to this stack. It's a solid ground floor although when I tap, parts sound hollow.

The appliance will fit in a smaller opening but I've been told an air gap is important. A gap lets the heat into the room rather than just heat the chimney breast.

 

[ree]

Your above dimensions will, after opening up, leave you with roughly enough brickwork to be safe.

But you must open up to Mfr's dimensions - not to any friendly advice.

I think that if you read recent threads (in this forum) on this subject you will get a better idea of the variables required.

Typically its pretty safe to open up a fire opening but in your case i would, as i've advised others, have a heads up on site with a HETAS & a builder.