Is it safe to open this fireplace?

[blackheathdiy]

Hi Everyone.

I've just chipped away the plaster around an old fireplace. I was intending upon opening it up, however after removing the top center brick to test if the arch is stable, I noted the arch brick moved a bit. Not a lot, but a bit. Also the person that bricked it up looks to have removed some of the original brickwork so he could better integrate the closing into the existing wall.

I can't see any metal lintel.

Do you think it's safe to proceed to open it up without propping up the wall and correctly installing a lintel?

Any help much appreciated.

Small Fireplace

• blackheathdiy
• 5 May 2013
• 1

 

[tony1851]

That would be OK. Just drill out the mortar under the top course of infill and prise out the bricks there, and the arch wil be fine.
Doesn't matter about the bricks at the side being built in.