Unusual bricks in fireplace when reconditioning fireplace All manner of questions and solutions to problems and issues surrounding the subject of brickwork, blockwork and stonework

[Willeve]

Hi all,

I am planning to put in an original cast-iron fireplace in an Edwardian semi-detached, 1901 build. The house is in good shape and has had various works done to it before however, previous owners have bricked up the original fireplace badly and have not seemed to put a lintel in. My intentions are to remove the current fireplace back and bricks and install a new back and proper fill.

I want to either put a new steel re-enforced concrete lintel in or keep the top bricks as is. The problem is I do not recognize these bricks (being neither an arch nor straight bricks) and do not want to remove bricks unnecessarily if there is no need.

Does anyone have an experience with this and can give some advice?

Picture attached.

Cheers,
Will

[stoneyboy]

Hi willeve
There is nothing wrong with the way the supporting brick course has been constructed so providing the mortar is sound, leave well alone.
If the mortar is not sound you could fit angle irons directly under the brick "lintel" but this would involve setting into the mortar courses which could disturb everything.
Regards S

[Willeve]

Thanks for your reply, stoneyboy.

The problem is the fireplace doesn't fit flush to the wall. You mentioned the supporting bricks are fine. What about taking the bricks and back underneath out? I'd rather take it out and relay them 60mm further back so it's flush, rather than add batons to the edges of the iron fireplace.

Thanks again for your help,
Will

[stoneyboy]

Hi willeve
You could carefully take out the bricks under the supporting course to the width of the sloping bricks (where you have already removed one brick). Then rebuild the opening to suit your fireplace.
I suggest you do this by hand rather than using your breaker because the violent action may disturb the bricks above.
Regards S

[Willeve]

Thanks again for your prompt reply Stoney boy.

I'll use a masonry hammer and tool to remove and relay the bricks and back.

Cheers,
W