Just had an old back boiler removed and at the top of the opening in the fireplace is a thin steel bar which is quite loose (loose enough to wiggle it with one hand) which is resting on the bricks either side.
I have attached a few photos.
My plan was to keep the chimney breast in-situ and just to board out the opening, keeping the space open, however I’m a bit worried about this steel bar which seems to be performing the role of a lintel, which is very slightly warped with the bricks in the middle touching the steel bar but the bricks at either side not touching it.
Can anyone advise if this bar would be sufficient to hold up the breast based upon the photos or should I look to replace it? I know it’s hard to tell from photos but I was just wondering if this is standard
I have attached a few photos.
My plan was to keep the chimney breast in-situ and just to board out the opening, keeping the space open, however I’m a bit worried about this steel bar which seems to be performing the role of a lintel, which is very slightly warped with the bricks in the middle touching the steel bar but the bricks at either side not touching it.
Can anyone advise if this bar would be sufficient to hold up the breast based upon the photos or should I look to replace it? I know it’s hard to tell from photos but I was just wondering if this is standard