Removed baxi fire. Do I need both lintels?

[1stTimer]

Hi all,

First post here.
I would appreciate some advice on fireplace lintels.
I have removed a redundant baxi fire and want to replace it with an open cast iron fire, the insert requires an opening 23x30 inches.
To do this would require moving the concrete lintel up by 5 inches. My question is do I need the concrete lintel as the original brick lintel is still in place?



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Many thanks.

 

[tony1851]

Probably OK to remove the conc lintel, but remove the bricks immediately above the lintel carefully one at a time just in case.

 

[1stTimer]

Thanks Tony.

If I remove them, and the brick arch lintel is insufficient, can I expect a catastrophic collapse or a gradual sagging?

 

[Alastairreid]

A few bricks at most may drop from the arch.

I would remove the brick arch and reset the lintel at the required height.

 

[tony1851]

[quote="1stTimer";p="272691
can I expect a catastrophic collapse or a gradual sagging?[/quote]

No; at worst a few bricks above may come loose.