Hello
I'm currently trying to tidy up a fireplace in a 1950s flat. There was a reproduction cast iron fire covering up the firebox, and it looks like there used to be a heating system using the fire it as there are two old copper pipes that have been hacked off at some point.
Anyway I was surprised to see this big lump at the back of the firebox (back right as you are looking at it). It looks like mortar that has been added at some point (perhaps to fill another hole) though not sure why the shape is the way it is. It contains sand when you crumble it between your fingers.
I was about to just knock it off to see what is behind, but then I thought that there might be a risk it contains asbestos. Do people have any thoughts on whether I am being overly cautious here? Thanks for any pointers.
Cheers, Tom
I'm currently trying to tidy up a fireplace in a 1950s flat. There was a reproduction cast iron fire covering up the firebox, and it looks like there used to be a heating system using the fire it as there are two old copper pipes that have been hacked off at some point.
Anyway I was surprised to see this big lump at the back of the firebox (back right as you are looking at it). It looks like mortar that has been added at some point (perhaps to fill another hole) though not sure why the shape is the way it is. It contains sand when you crumble it between your fingers.
I was about to just knock it off to see what is behind, but then I thought that there might be a risk it contains asbestos. Do people have any thoughts on whether I am being overly cautious here? Thanks for any pointers.
Cheers, Tom