Removal of pre cast flue gather and starter blocks

[Paul Haywood]

I am in the process of creating a new chimney breast for large hole in the wall fire. I have removed old gas fire and surround and taken down the old breeze block chimney breast that was built out to the same depth as the gather. I now want to remove the starter blocks and the gather so that everything is back to the cavity wall then block up the old opening so it becomes a flat wall I can fix my new fire back to and then install the balanced flue straight out through the old precast flue. My question is will i need to support this old flue while i block it up? Will i be best putting a lintel in first and blocking it up after that? House was built in 1995 if that helps as to what sort of flue it could be.
Any help greatly appreciated!

 

[Cgas]

Your best bet would be to ask in building section? but I wouldn't remove the opening obviously as them blocks above are resting on it or so it looks.

 

[Paul Haywood]

Hi.

Thanks for reply. I've asked in building section as well. It does look as though the blocks aren't tied in to the cavity wall. Can't believe I can't find anything on the internet about removal of these blocks!

 

[Newboy]

I'd support them - there is no tie in and there appears to be minimal support from the surrounding wall. A strongboy/acro prop will be enough while you are removing them.

If you remove the flue up to ceiling then ensure that you block the remaining section - otherwise it forms a chimney which will allow fire to spread into the roofspace.

If you remove the metal flue section in the roofspace from the pre-cast flue blocks then be careful - there is usually an asbestos rope sealing the metal section to the block.

PS - I'd move the table away from the right-hand side of the works before you go any further!

 

[Paul Haywood]

Thanks for reply. I'll probably leave the flue in the loft space and the opening down stairs will be bricked up but from what I have read elsewhere I will need to put a vent in to stop condensation in the old flue? I am core drilling through the flue for my balanced flue and there will be a gap around that so hoping that will be good enough ventilation otherwise I will put a vent in before I board up the new chimney breast

 

[Newboy]

A lintel under the remaining flue blocks is probably the easiest way to go then.