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Lintel Advice

Posted by Chris Collings, on Sat 24 Feb 2018 08:59pm

Hello, I’m wanting to remove some of the inner layer of my cavity wall. The inner layer is concete breeze block. This is to open up the area around an existing smaller fireplace opening. The existing precast flue that is there won’t be used as I’m putting in a stove effect electric fire. The new opening will give an unsupported width of 1m. I was going to ensure each end of whatever lintel that I get is embedded in the wall by at least 150mm each side. The wall itswlf is an external end of house (detached) wall, bottom floor. So it’s supporting all the wall above it (2 floors) and then the roof above that etc. It’s got timber floors. Can anyone advise the best lintel option that would suit this? I’ve seen Box lintels by Catnic, or prestressed concrete lintels. It’s seems there’s lots of options to choose from and I really need the advice which is best to support the wall where I’m removing these breeze blocks. Thanks in advance, Chris

Michael Ingram

Mon 26 Feb 2018 10:14pm

Instead of disturbing the chimney breast already there you could build a stud wall in front of it to accept your electric fire making the chimney breast deeper once it’s plastered and made good,this would be quicker and cheaper,however you should consider all Health and safety precautions in the construction.

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