Fireplace: lintel beneath arch query

[ug31rmd]

I'm opening up a fireplace and have found a lintel underneath a double arch, which I'm puzzled by. Is it structural, for hanging pots and stuff off in the old days, or just to support the brick work that was between the lintel and the arch? There is some old pipework underneath one side of the lintel, which had only loose mortar packed in, which I've removed some of. The lintel seems to go into the sides by only about half a brick each side, but some of the brickwork underneath is missing where the pipes are. Can I remove the lintel without worries? Will I have to prop anything before build the sides back up?

 

[Stevers]

The lintel was likely just a means to turn it into a (relatively) efficient fireplace.

When I repaired my basement fireplace, I had to put in an arch support because the arch, and the brickwork that it sprang from were severely compromised, and the stonework above loose. Your arch and surrounding brickwork look reasonably sound, certainly compared with what I had. Some wedged timber props to the arch might be a wise precaution (and peace of mind) whilst you patch the brickwork back in, but that's all I would have thought it would need.

S

Post in thread 'Basement Chimney Breast'

Apr 28, 2023

An enforced break due to sciatica gave me time for second thoughts. It was increasingly obvious that the arch was very severely compromised, and therefore the failure mode and weight on the pin unpredictable. A change of tack was indicated, so I tackled the arch, especially as I realised that the formwork required for this would also provide much better support for the repairs lower down. Some 6"x2" was cut to the shape of the arch then propped with a couple of 4"x2"struts sat on folding wedges. As there was a half inch gap between the bar and all but the end bricks of the arch...

• Stevers

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