Removing fireplace (precast flue)

[NewtothisDIY]

Evening all, had a search but can't find anything similar.

I live in a semi (built in 1998). I have just removed a gas fire after having it capped off and I'm now left with the surround. It looks mortared all the way which I wasn't expecting. Any tips on how to remove it? I have no plans to use the flue after and want to plaster and hang an electric fire.

It's on the shared wall which is made of breeze block.


Attached is a pic of the inside and also the whole wall. The whole surround is black but the outer just had vinyl wrap over it. Thanks in advance

 

[Wayners]

Take surround off then lift base.
Surround will be stuck on with something like tile adhesive but I've seen mastic used.
I'd start at the top with old scraper and go easy knocking it behind to break bond. Try getting off without damage.
Then two sides.
I'm guessing it's 3 sections for surround.
Base will be set on dry mix of sand and cement.
Jam something under like large screwdriver and with a block of wood on floor to make a leaver to lift.

If no joy escalate to bigger tools and more force

 

[NewtothisDIY]

Take surround off then lift base.
Surround will be stuck on with something like tile adhesive but I've seen mastic used.
I'd start at the top with old scraper and go easy knocking it behind to break bond. Try getting off without damage.
Then two sides.
I'm guessing it's 3 sections for surround.
Base will be set on dry mix of sand and cement.
Jam something under like large screwdriver and with a block of wood on floor to make a leaver to lift.

If no joy escalate to bigger tools and more force

Thanks Wayners. I'm getting there

I've got the sides off (took off a bit too much plaster than I'd have liked).

Re: the base before I start the lever method should I need to worry about how it's sort of wedged in under both sides and the back? I'm thinking it will rip the wall out?

 

[Wayners]

You think it's been plastered to at wall edge?
I just fitted those bases to wall but possible wall was scratched back so it sat tight.

Was always going to pull plaster off as stuck on.

Dig at wall edge to find out

 

[NewtothisDIY]

You think it's been plastered to at wall edge?
I just fitted those bases to wall but possible wall was scratched back so it sat tight.

Was always going to pull plaster off as stuck on.

Dig at wall edge to find out

I've been digging around and this looks like the general footprint of it (as far I can tell) not sure how far back it goes.

 

[Wayners]

Yeah looking at it definitely in the wall.

Sorry mist that.

Stick something under and get digging in wall

 

[NewtothisDIY]

Yeah looking at it definitely in the wall.

Sorry mist that.

Stick something under and get digging in wall

No problem..thanks for the help
Will give it go later in the week and report back

 

[NewtothisDIY]

Yeah looking at it definitely in the wall.

Sorry mist that.

Stick something under and get digging in wall

Started digging and looked like it was kind of supporting the wall so ended up breaking the damn thing!

Any tips on how to make good of the plaster around the sides. No experience with plastering so would be first time

 

[Wayners]

Need a vent in it?

I fit small one behind electric fire to stop condensation.
Fireplaces can get condensation if blocked off as needs an air flow through.

Brick up best you can.
Don't need to look good. Just get them in. Can be a bit worrying but when dry it will be solid.
PVA over
Bonding plaster over dragging level.
Pva.
Walls smoother or plaster skim.
Sand smooth

 

[NewtothisDIY]

Need a vent in it?

I fit small one behind electric fire to stop condensation.
Fireplaces can get condensation if blocked off as needs an air flow through.

Brick up best you can.
Don't need to look good. Just get them in. Can be a bit worrying but when dry it will be solid.
PVA over
Bonding plaster over dragging level.
Pva.
Walls smoother or plaster skim.
Sand smooth

Thanks Sorry - should have been cleaner. Looking to leave it unfilled. Going to put tv on wall drop wires etc and put some shelves inside for tv boxes router

 

[Wayners]

Could remove existing plaster then dot and dab strips of plasterboard around opening edges.
Skim over
Or
Pva
Fit backing plaster bead
Bonding plaster
Skim over