advice required from a builder: moving a lintel

[wilbo]

Just about to install a fireplace, having ripped out the old Baxi back boiler, and the opening is slightly too small.

Now I am fine with cutting the brickwork either side of the hole to enlarge it..

Its just the height that is the problem. 1 course of bricks up there is a metal lintel or strap mortared in place supporting the brickwork above. I am told that there will be a proper concrete lintel somewhere above it supporting the main weight of the chimney breast.

My question is: can I remove this metal lintel all together (i.e. does it need to be there) or should I carve out the mortar a few courses up and move it up?

I start work on it tomorrow..

thanks in advance.

[dry suit diver]

before you take it out on the 'assurance of a concrete lintel' hack off the plaster and check there is a lintel. this might cost a few bob extra to patch up but is preferable to a chimney breast coming down on you or your family one evening.

if there is a concrete lintel make sure it extends at least 150mm each side into the breast walls and supported on the bricks not piles of crud. then remove the steel strap.

if its an open fire you are having then the heat can warp steel angle iron lintels.


as always its the internet and advice is worth the paper it isn't written on

[Adrian Kelland]

Wilbo,

It sounds like you should get someone 'professional' to look at it. There is a lot of weight being supported somewhere, I would not 'just' move it without appropriate support.

Adrian

[Mal Bridgeman]

Yeah ...go on, do it ..... it'll be a right giggle....can you supply before and after pics?

I'm not helping, am I?
Mal

[Adrian Kelland]

Originally Posted by Mal Bridgeman

Yeah ...go on, do it ..... it'll be a right giggle....can you supply before and after pics?

I'm not helping, am I?
Mal

If Wilbo get's this wrong, he'll not be diving again

[neilh]

Originally Posted by Adrian Kelland

I would not 'just' move it without appropriate support.

...but if you do can you stick the video up later

[NotDeadYet]

Have a word with building control as structural alterations to chimney breasts can require building regs approval depending on what's being done.

[wilbo]

so putting the metal lintel back in a couple of courses is the favourite option then..

bugger.

[Mal Bridgeman]

Originally Posted by Adrian Kelland

If Wilbo get's this wrong, he'll not be diving again

and we will notice the difference how, exactly ?

[Adrian Kelland]

Originally Posted by Mal Bridgeman

and we will notice the difference how, exactly ?

Ah