Following gas fire removal, I want to open up a chimney breast back to the original (Victorian) brick arch. Had my BI round and he says this should be OK - *in theory* should all hold up after the infill is taken out, as I hoped.
However, I remember someone on Property Ladder trying this and ending up with a collapsing chimney breast!. So, I would like to re-inforce the old brickwork in some quick & easy way - just in case Will rake out and point up the old mortar in/around the vicinity, but I don't want to go as far as props & insert new lintel.
So I thought something like a rigid steel 4ft strap screwed just over top of the arch (to be plastered over) or my BI mentioned some sort of rod that insert into the mortar. Does anyone have any suggestions - what specifically should I ask for at my (clueless) builders merchants?.
The fireplace is about 5 '3" wide, the arched opening 3' 3" wide.
Thanks,
Egremont