- Joined
- 4 Sep 2019
- Messages
- 2
- Reaction score
- 0
- Country
Morning all. Query as per thread title.
Currently in the process of modifying the hearth in preparation for multi fuel stove by our local HETAS chap who is currently away on hols. Building is 1960's bungalow, chimney breast wholly internal up to eave height, stack is supported across both halves of cavity wall. A full width pre-stressed concrete lintel has been inserted at the front using the usual Acrows and strong arms etc. With the old fire hearth now out and the hearth base being prepared for rebuild we find that the brickwork behind the old fireclay insert steps inwards over several courses by some 4"eventually to form the back of the throat of the flue at new lintel height. At floor level there is no cavity, the bricks are just laid butted against the outer wall and by using a torch and mirror I can see there are no ties inserted as the brickwork steps out. After careful measurement this exposes a potential problem regarding the position of the stove on the hearth and the 6" stove pipe. The rear of the stove will almost be hard up against the back of the hearth for the stove pipe to only just miss the front lintel. There is not enough height to accommodate an offset stovepipe and using the rear outlet on the stove would push it too far out into the room (the main contents of the hearth would be the collector box and the pipe) 85% of the stove would project into the room which would be aesthetically unpleasant to say the least. If I were to insert another full width lintel to support the rear of the flue throat is it permissible to then remove the stepped out brickwork underneath which by then will be performing no apparent function. I'm not looking to make the throat any bigger just gain space below it to be able to maneuver the stove into the best position. It would mean that the exterior wall behind the stove would be single skin, is this permissible ? or should I build it back up in single brick with ties inserted at an angle to effectively make it a 9" solid wall ? First option preferred as it would reduce the gained amount to do it the second way, but it might just be ok. Final finish of the hearth will be cement render. Your thoughts folks, Best regards. Phil.
Currently in the process of modifying the hearth in preparation for multi fuel stove by our local HETAS chap who is currently away on hols. Building is 1960's bungalow, chimney breast wholly internal up to eave height, stack is supported across both halves of cavity wall. A full width pre-stressed concrete lintel has been inserted at the front using the usual Acrows and strong arms etc. With the old fire hearth now out and the hearth base being prepared for rebuild we find that the brickwork behind the old fireclay insert steps inwards over several courses by some 4"eventually to form the back of the throat of the flue at new lintel height. At floor level there is no cavity, the bricks are just laid butted against the outer wall and by using a torch and mirror I can see there are no ties inserted as the brickwork steps out. After careful measurement this exposes a potential problem regarding the position of the stove on the hearth and the 6" stove pipe. The rear of the stove will almost be hard up against the back of the hearth for the stove pipe to only just miss the front lintel. There is not enough height to accommodate an offset stovepipe and using the rear outlet on the stove would push it too far out into the room (the main contents of the hearth would be the collector box and the pipe) 85% of the stove would project into the room which would be aesthetically unpleasant to say the least. If I were to insert another full width lintel to support the rear of the flue throat is it permissible to then remove the stepped out brickwork underneath which by then will be performing no apparent function. I'm not looking to make the throat any bigger just gain space below it to be able to maneuver the stove into the best position. It would mean that the exterior wall behind the stove would be single skin, is this permissible ? or should I build it back up in single brick with ties inserted at an angle to effectively make it a 9" solid wall ? First option preferred as it would reduce the gained amount to do it the second way, but it might just be ok. Final finish of the hearth will be cement render. Your thoughts folks, Best regards. Phil.
Attachments
Last edited:
