Is my chimnry breast safe?

[Mattayscough]

Hi.

This weekend I opened up a fireplace in my front bedroom. The origial opening has a brick arch.

I have a similar (albeit taller, wider) opening in my downstairs room. The larger opening downstairs has a curved iron strap which is presumably to support the brick arch? It isn't very substantial though.

My problem, is that the upstairs opening does not have a similar iron strap. I'm not sure if the builder who bricked the opening up removed it, or if the narrower opening does not seed such a strap.

Does anyone have any ideas about this? I would really appretiate any help.

Matt

 

[Static]

Photos?

 

[Mattayscough]

Sadly I don't have any photos as I am at work.

Are small victorain fireplace openings usually supported with a peice of iron then?

The masonry looks mainly sound with no major cracks or evidence of movement.

I'd guess that the downstairs one is slight supported because it is a bigger epening and has more weight to bare. Still I'd rather ba safe than sorry.[/img]