fireplace opening - lintel needed?

[Tim Hardisty]

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

[BigWallop]

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.

[dg]

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

dg