FIREPLACE Information, help and advice on many gas related subjects from gas fires to domestic appliances

[CMOSSOM]

HI CAN TOU HELP ME?? I HAVE A HORRID FIREPLACE MADE FROM BRICK.
THE BRICK GOES INTO THE BOX OF THE CHIMNEY BREST AND THE FIRE IS INSIDE THERE TOO,IT THE TURNS INTO A MANTLE. ITS HORRID!!!
MY QUSTION IS CAN I SMASH IT ALL OFF AND BRICK AND PLASTER IT READY FOR A NEW FIRE OR DO I NEED TO GET A PROFESIONAL IN TO DO IT BY LAW.

[thedoctor]

Not by law but it would be a great idea to pay a builder for a couple of hours of his time to give you some advice as it could be that the firplace itself is supporting some of the stack. Fireplaces are quite an exact science and if the fire is "live" a certain space is required for it to draw properly and allow the smoke to get out consistantly. It could also simply be an addition to the existing chimney breast which can be "smashed off" very easily, but best to check eh?!

[CMOSSOM]

HI THANKS FOR THE REPLY. I SMASHED OF THE TOP LAYER OF BRICK WHICH ARE HELD UP BY A METAL LINT. I DONT THINK THE BRICKS HOLD UP THE STACK AS THEY JUST LOOK ORNAMENTAL THEY HAVE 3 HOLES IN THE CENTRE OF THEM SO THEY SMASH OFF EASILY.
THE BRICKS AT THE BACK HAS A HOLE IN THEM WHICH THE GAS FIRE IS PLUMBED INTO. IVE GOT A REGISTED MAN COMING ROUND TO DISCONECT THE FIRE.
DO I HAVE TO HAVE A SPECIALIST COME ROUND AND MAKE THE OPENING OF THE FIRE PLACE SMALLER TO ACCOMIDATE A GAS FIRE