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.
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"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.

If these bricks are part of the flue, then you should recall the fitters to
sort it out.

dg


"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.
Remove HAT before replying