We're looking to put an insert into an existing masonry fireplace. The measurement to the top of the brick arch (which *could* be taken out I suppose?) is 26". The shortest portion of the arch is 22" (at the ends). The arch is 40" wide, so that means the radius of the arch is 52" (though the center of that arch is below the hearth, but it's good to know to help calculate the height to the arch at certain distances off center.
Now, the measurement to what I think is the lintel is about 32". That's the big 4"ish piece of metal that runs horizontal across the entire 40" length of the fireplace on the inside.
Am I right to presume that bricks *could* be taken out right up to the lintel if necessary?
The reason I ask is, I was just at a place that sells inserts and installs them, and he said they can't (or won't) install an insert without at least a few inches clearance between the brick and the insert for them to get their hands into to attach the new lining pipe. I said to him "But the fireplace is 40 inches wide, couldn't they reach from the side and install?" He said "no".
My question is, why can't it be installed (besides being more of a PITA) by reaching from the open space on the side of the insert to attach the new liner? Because being an engineer it seems to me that it should be install-able if there's sufficient room to reach from the side, even if there's only a 1/4" clearance on the top to the brick.
Now, the measurement to what I think is the lintel is about 32". That's the big 4"ish piece of metal that runs horizontal across the entire 40" length of the fireplace on the inside.
Am I right to presume that bricks *could* be taken out right up to the lintel if necessary?
The reason I ask is, I was just at a place that sells inserts and installs them, and he said they can't (or won't) install an insert without at least a few inches clearance between the brick and the insert for them to get their hands into to attach the new lining pipe. I said to him "But the fireplace is 40 inches wide, couldn't they reach from the side and install?" He said "no".
My question is, why can't it be installed (besides being more of a PITA) by reaching from the open space on the side of the insert to attach the new liner? Because being an engineer it seems to me that it should be install-able if there's sufficient room to reach from the side, even if there's only a 1/4" clearance on the top to the brick.