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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Building Questions >> Should I be worried ? https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1141485666 Message started by MarkS on Mar 4^th, 2006, 3:21pm

Title: Should I be worried ?
Post by MarkS on Mar 4^th, 2006, 3:21pm

Hi,

Should I be worried about this chimney breast ?

http://www.snowdon.org/pic1.JPG

Situation is - there used to be a gas fire in this chimney breast, fed from a bottle outside.

I took the gas fire out (occupied the space filled by the bench) and was surprised that there was no lintel. Had a look up the chimney and could see an old arch.

Now I've stipped the plaster away to find that there is a large old fireplace - I presume that it held a range at some point. which has been blocked up in two phases. Some of the blocking up is right into the chimney but the bit under the arch is single skin, unsupported (other than by that bit of timber I've just put in) and as you can see the bricks at the top just lift out.

How do I decide if the arch is sound and safe ?
It looks it.
What I want to do is take out the single skin of bricks - wont be difficult- build up the blue bit of brick up to the arch, and stick a wood burning stove in the arched alcove - which seems original.

Oh, and I'm going to need a plasterer - anyone in Ripon ?

thanks

MArk

Title: Re: Should I be worried ?
Post by WOLF on Mar 5^th, 2006, 12:55am

Hi, i know JD will probably give you a better, more detailed answer than i, but is there by any chance a flat bar, which the original arch is resting on to the rear of the bricks, as there sometimes is! and also, providing the motar between the bricks of the arch, is nice and tight then you should not have a problem!but you could while building the L/h wall up to the arch, put in a steel plate asa discribed above, (if there is not one hidden in there anywhere!) just to be on the "over cautious" side of things, usually these kind of openings are either totally gone, ready to come down, or still well strong!!!!

Title: Re: Should I be worried ?
Post by JerryD on Mar 5^th, 2006, 3:11pm

The arch looks tatty but appears structurally ok from what I can see but only you can tell if the bricks are held solid in the arch.

As Wolf says, a metal bar is often found supporting this type of arch but not always. I would like to see some kind of metal support under the arch, it can't ever collapse then.

Getting a flat metal bar made for this shouldn't cost more than £30 or so if you know where to go. You'll need to make a template (to get the shape) to take to the steel suppliers though. (small sheet of hardboard would do).

Title: Re: Should I be worried ?
Post by MarkS on Mar 5^th, 2006, 6:18pm

thanks Jerry and Wolf.

Things have gone a bit further - most of the infill wasn't sound, so thats all gone as well. So I'm back to where the original builders started 200 odd years ago. The arch holds all the bricks soundly, and the two pillars/side bits are sound. Its just the newer stuff which seems to collapse when looked at.

Thats a good point about a metal support. Theres a structural / architectural steel place I know in Harrogate, would that be the sort of place ? I think Kendrew or Kenwick or something ?

Thanks

Mark

Title: Re: Should I be worried ?
Post by CWatters on Mar 5^th, 2006, 8:18pm

Catnic?

http://www.catnic.com/index.asp

Title: Re: Should I be worried ?
Post by JerryD on Mar 5^th, 2006, 10:51pm

Catnic will charge hundreds for a 'one off', they may possibly be not interested at all? Also, last time I enquired about a 'special' it was minimum 8 week wait!

I have a local 'blacksmith' who supplies rsj's, sheet steel, steel fabrication, iron railings, metal gate manufacture etc., all custom made. That's the sort of guy you want for this. Probably start with a length of 8mm x 40mm flat, heat it up and bend to shape.

It's easy for them with the right equipment. (and know how!)

Title: Re: Should I be worried ?
Post by WOLF on Mar 5^th, 2006, 11:20pm

and if anything like my local smitthy, a bloody big lump 'ammer! ;D i love visiting him, especially on a cold day!!!!! ummmm!! nice and warm!!!!! ;D