I need a little help and guidance

[wibsy]

Fireplace disaster ???!!!

I need some help ! and I'm hoping this is the right place to ask.

I am in the process of removing an old fireplace but as I have removed it, I have found there is no lintel. The plasterer who was round plastering my hallway said that because it is a fairly small fireplace there shouldn't be any need for one. However, I'm not entriely confident with his assessment and would like some different opinions.

Does a smallish (60cm * 60 cm wide - 1m from floor to top) fireplace need a lintel ?

I may well call someone in a professional builder to do continue with the fireplace removal, but would like to make sure before I spend loads of money calling one out.

Any help really appreciated. (before the wife returns from shopping)

 

[noseall]

provided the brickwork above is bonded and not straight nick, a 600mm wide opening will cause no trouble at all.

you can retro install a lintel if you wish.

either a 100x75mm pcc lintel or an angle steel will "eat it".

 

[wibsy]

provided the brickwork above is bonded and not straight nick, a 600mm wide opening will cause no trouble at all.

you can retro install a lintel if you wish.

either a 100x75mm pcc lintel or an angle steel will "eat it".

Thanks for your reply. What do you mean by bonded ?
I can see one brick that is supported by nothing except the mortar surrounding it....

 

[noseall]

the one brick you can see is the only vulnerable brick in the equation.

as i said. for peace of mind fix a 900 x100x75 mm pcc lintel in place of the first visible course of bricks.

or indeed higher or lower if the job demands.