Fireplace widening (Gathering)

[LMJ90]

Afternoon!

I have been widening our fireplace in order to house a gas stove. My question is, do I need to re-build the gathering? (The chimney will more than likely need to be flue lined, though it wasn't on the last install (also gas, circa ~2001 if I remember correctly).

See pictures;

As seen in the second pic, the chimney kicks to the left to the outer gable wall.

The bricks are keyed into the back wall, and I have no intention in removing these, though I read somewhere about W shaped lintels or similar? Any light on this would be much appreciated.

I also appreciate that 'fireplace widening' is quite a popular topic on here, I did search before writing ☺.

Thank you!

 

[noseall]

If you install a correct flue liner then the masonry part of the chimney simply becomes a conduit, i.e. the liner should connect directly to your appliance. However, you still need to ensure that the masonry is finished soundly so that no debris falls onto your header or ceiling.

 

[LMJ90]

I gathered that (baddum tsh), though my question is; what would be the best way around those unsupported single bricks on the sides? The black bricks are keyed into the rear wall, and are fine as they are, but the ones with light mortar on them are unsupported as they are. Are there some discreet low profile W lintels available?

Thanks again!

 

[noseall]

Foam them. Let it set and see if you can pull one out. If you re worried about heat, use red foam or fire foam, though it should not be an issue with the flue liner and all.