fireplace removal

4 years ago

Removing fireplace

Hi i have just removed a fireplace from the chimney breast, just a little worried after reading some comments, firstly is it possible to make a box in the space of the fireplace to put like shelves for sky box and dvd player as i am planning on putting the tv on the wall (chimney breast) and i wanted the wires to run down inside to make it look neat Also wanted a small box recessed for the sound bar do i need to do anything before i make a box for storage, some comments say about vents and chimney pots and what not, i don't know much about these things thanks

2nd picture is what i would like to do or something similar

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Comments (6)

arc3d
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Hi Saqib,

Great project.

The main issue is that a chimney is a vent to the outside so if you close it up it can increase the amount of moisture in the room which can cause condensation, which can cause damp, which can cause mould, which is bad for your health. It can also cause rot in a wooden floor.

Second issue is that if your chimney pots are not capped, you could have rain water come down the chimney on to your box.

Both are easy to fix.

Chimney cap:

Chimney vent:

However... In my experience it really depends on your house. If your house is prone to damp and condensation then blocking the chimney might make it worse. This is usually a problem with older houses that don't have a damp proof course or cavity walls and have suspended floors. Post 1950's houses don't usually have any of these issues.

I did a similar project for my parents many years ago, but I removed their chimneys from downstairs. I didn't leave vents or cap the chimney. It's been more than 10 years and they've never had a problem. Many of their neighbours have also done the same.

Regarding the recessed bar. That will not be possible unless you are planning on putting in another lintel above the bar. If you chisel away some of the plaster just above the opening you'll see an arch made of bricks or a concrete lintel. That's what holds up the chimney above the opening, So removing a long horizontal section above the lintel will compromise the whole structure above. That will need to be re-supported either by moving the lintel up above the recess or if its a brick arch then a new lintel above the height of the bar.

Chimney lintel:

Chimney arch:

Hmm, unless of course you mean the bar will go below the lintel in which case that's fine as long as you're not going any wider than the current opening.
Saqib Patel
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks so i was thinking of doing something like this
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Saqib Patel
Original Author
3 years ago
Not recessing the tv but just the soundbar area and unit area
arc3d
3 years ago
That looks like a faux chimney made from wood and plasterboard. Yours is made of brick so the recess for the sound bar will cut into the chimney and affect the integrity of the chimney.

A cheaper/easier option would be to build out in front of the existing chimney with wood and plasterboard and then just leave a recess for the sound bar.

Here's a tutorial on how you could do that...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moJUboKddLA
Saqib Patel
Original Author
3 years ago
Ahh ok i thought i could do something like that with the lintel or something but i guess not!
Saqib Patel
Original Author
3 years ago
I will have to just leave it within the opening thats already there

fireplace removal

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