Restoring exposed internal brickwork

[Sooty5]

Hi,
So just bought a house and the previous owner had tried to restore the fireplace to original brick work. However a few holes and there is what looks like cement bricks(think that’s the name) at the base. Do you think there is anything I can do to save the holes and could I chisel out the cement bricks to end on floor level?

thanks and hope that’s clear
Emma

 

[bobasd]

The "cement bricks" are possibly an infill of sorts that could be removed by yourself.
look out for any gas pipes or elec cables?
the soot on the bricks can be mostly wire brushed off.
have the flue swept.

what are the "holes" you refer to - where are they in the pic?

whats your ultimate purpose with the chimney breast and fire opening?

 

[Sooty5]

Thank you for responding, the hole is at the top edge I think a brick is missing. But maybe I should just leave it. It’s purely just aesthetic and I will probably place logs in the fireplace, also with furniture in hopefully you won’t notice so much?

Might attempt to see what’s under the bricks at the base.

 

[cdbe]

I would consider cladding with brick slips. The rustic look can be a bit hit or miss unless the bricks are genuinely attractive old stocks - it may look great or people may wonder when you're going to get a plasterer in to finish your fireplace!
If you do keep the exposed bricks you can get sealers to prevent it being dusty forever.

 

[bobasd]

Below the "cement bricks" will be a solid back hearth - in front of the chimney breast there is usually a solid front hearth as well.

What exactly do you mean by "logs"?

Sealing dusty bricks works but beware any glossy finish sealer - they have a waxy, varnish shine & imo look terrible.

 

[foxhole]

Lined a fireplace with black slate tile , hides ugly opening.

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• foxhole
• 27 Apr 2011
• 4