I need to raise the height of the opening in our fireplace, which currently has a steel lintel. I am planning to remove 3 courses of bricks and use an Oak beam as the new lintel.

If I simply remove the bricks above the current lintel, will it all collapse? Or should I be using some kind of small acro's?

 

I don't think it should collapse. the only bit you should maybe use a small scro to prop it up is where the bricks are half bond, unless you are running a stihl saw up it first where its half brick bond then you might be ok without.

 

it shouldn't collapse but why risk it; i hired a acrow the other day through work and it cost me a £5!

 

Well on the last fireplace I took down it didn't collapse but I don't know about other experiences.

 

Christain,

You could do what they call pin propping, which as you say is using acro props. They knock small holes thro the fire place above the position of the new lintel and put timber or steels through the holes. Then use the acros to support the timber/steel that pases thro the hole.

In the real world I am sure you will be fine and if it was my fireplace I would strip the plaster back acces the condition of the mortar/brickwork to make sure its not completely had it. Knock a hole through where you want the new lintal (gently) install said lintal then remove the old lintal below and remaining brickwork.

Just apply a bit of common sense mate and you will be fine.

 

Go one brick at a time while putting the new lintel in its place before you take the old one out. Can't go anywhere then. But as said, acro's are cheap, our local place is £2.50 a week lol