"Tim Hardisty" wrote in message
...
We had a "hole in the wall" gas fire fitted a week or so ago, which
involved (the fitters) enlarging the builders opening (upwards).

Stripping the wallpaper today above the new fireplace surround, and
some old plaster dropped away. I can see that the two bricks spanning
across the 18" opening are not supported by a lintel or steel bar, and
are drooping due to the mortar having crumbled. The row above are
fine. The bricks will drop onto the fire if I do not do something.

Is it acceptable to not have a lintel or band? I can re-mortar the
bricks in (less hassle than calling them back) but if there should be
a lintel I will obviously get on the blower!

Any thoughts?


Tim Hardisty.


Personally, I'd have spanned the opening with at least a piece of angle iron
of some sort to take the stress off the mortar and bricks, but that's just
me.