Andrew Bodenham
Member
- Messages
- 441
- Location
- North Lancs
Suzanne,
I don't like the look of that. Although the 'arch' has a relatively minor structural role - just supporting the front face of the chimney breast directly above it - the rest of the brickwork will be playing a role in supporting the construction in the rooms above, all the way up to the chimney pots. Possibly also some floor loading if the joists of the intervening floors are bearing on the chimney. This does not mean that the entire mass of the chimney is carried by the side pillars of your fireplace, as some of the load may be transferred to the 'host' wall if the brickwork has been keyed in, but they could be taking a significant amount of load.
The main issue here is that that construction has been seriously altered at some time, with the removal of some brickwork in the side pillars. This has left a relatively slender pillar on the left hand side which may not be structurally sound. The newer concrete block infill may well be supporting some of the vertical load, and will also be providing lateral support. The generally poor state of the brickwork is an additional concern.
Based on the pictures and your description I recommend that you do not remove any more of the blockwork or brickwork. Seek the help of a suitable professional e.g. a structural engineer or architect who will advise you as to the best course of action. Unless you are very confident of your own abilities it would be unwise to proceed on a DIY basis.
You will also need to think about he future use of the fireplace - are you going to fit a traditional open fire, or perhaps a stove? As the whole structure may well need to be rebuilt you will have an opportunity to change the dimensions of the aperture to suit you future needs.
I don't like the look of that. Although the 'arch' has a relatively minor structural role - just supporting the front face of the chimney breast directly above it - the rest of the brickwork will be playing a role in supporting the construction in the rooms above, all the way up to the chimney pots. Possibly also some floor loading if the joists of the intervening floors are bearing on the chimney. This does not mean that the entire mass of the chimney is carried by the side pillars of your fireplace, as some of the load may be transferred to the 'host' wall if the brickwork has been keyed in, but they could be taking a significant amount of load.
The main issue here is that that construction has been seriously altered at some time, with the removal of some brickwork in the side pillars. This has left a relatively slender pillar on the left hand side which may not be structurally sound. The newer concrete block infill may well be supporting some of the vertical load, and will also be providing lateral support. The generally poor state of the brickwork is an additional concern.
Based on the pictures and your description I recommend that you do not remove any more of the blockwork or brickwork. Seek the help of a suitable professional e.g. a structural engineer or architect who will advise you as to the best course of action. Unless you are very confident of your own abilities it would be unwise to proceed on a DIY basis.
You will also need to think about he future use of the fireplace - are you going to fit a traditional open fire, or perhaps a stove? As the whole structure may well need to be rebuilt you will have an opportunity to change the dimensions of the aperture to suit you future needs.