Hi all
I've recently removed my old fire place and fire back to open up to my builders opening, as I intend to replace the old electric fire with a multi-fuel stove.
However, on revealing this opening and original brickwork, I found that there isn't any lintel just a very slight arch! So my first question is: would you think I need to install a lintel, as it all seems structally sound?
Also my 2nd question, and main concern, is that the constructional hearth stops just before the inner leaf wall. All I have behind it is a gap (the wall cavity) between the hearth and outer wall with dpc running through. The cavity goes straight down to the sub floor, the dpc also runs through the inner leaf wall and chimney breast at floor level. I'm not sure how to bridge the gap and screed as I'm a bit concerned about bridging the dpc as I will be screeding inline with/above it (the flue runs inbetween the cavity between the walls if that makes sense). I've had a few hetas stove fitters come take a look but they haven't seen this issue either. I'm really looking for opinions of how to secure my floor/create a new hearth that fits across the old one and to the back wall, sealing this gap.
Any advice greatly appreciated so I can crack on and get this project finished!!
Pictures attached
Many thanks
I've recently removed my old fire place and fire back to open up to my builders opening, as I intend to replace the old electric fire with a multi-fuel stove.
However, on revealing this opening and original brickwork, I found that there isn't any lintel just a very slight arch! So my first question is: would you think I need to install a lintel, as it all seems structally sound?
Also my 2nd question, and main concern, is that the constructional hearth stops just before the inner leaf wall. All I have behind it is a gap (the wall cavity) between the hearth and outer wall with dpc running through. The cavity goes straight down to the sub floor, the dpc also runs through the inner leaf wall and chimney breast at floor level. I'm not sure how to bridge the gap and screed as I'm a bit concerned about bridging the dpc as I will be screeding inline with/above it (the flue runs inbetween the cavity between the walls if that makes sense). I've had a few hetas stove fitters come take a look but they haven't seen this issue either. I'm really looking for opinions of how to secure my floor/create a new hearth that fits across the old one and to the back wall, sealing this gap.
Any advice greatly appreciated so I can crack on and get this project finished!!
Pictures attached
Many thanks
