Hi All:
I have a question on enlarging a fireplace probably built in 60s to fit an insert, I have some construction experience but not really with masonry. I want to remove the red parts to raise the lintel. It will be removing some parts of the throat. I saw a couple of YouTube videos and the process did not show any support needed, folks simply knock those bricks off and then install a lintel high up, I just want to confirm no additional supports or temporary bracing are needed before doing the work. First image below is the actual fireplace and the second a cross section diagram,. Green is the new lintel and the red scribbled area is where I will be removing the bricks/cement. I appreciate the guidance!
![[Hearth.com] raising lintel by a foot , structural question](https://www.hearth.com/talk/attachments/screenshot-2024-01-19-at-10-56-10%E2%80%AFpm-webp.323295/ "[Hearth.com] raising lintel by a foot , structural question")
![[Hearth.com] raising lintel by a foot , structural question](https://www.hearth.com/talk/attachments/screenshot-2024-01-19-at-10-09-20%E2%80%AFpm-webp.323296/ "[Hearth.com] raising lintel by a foot , structural question")
I have a question on enlarging a fireplace probably built in 60s to fit an insert, I have some construction experience but not really with masonry. I want to remove the red parts to raise the lintel. It will be removing some parts of the throat. I saw a couple of YouTube videos and the process did not show any support needed, folks simply knock those bricks off and then install a lintel high up, I just want to confirm no additional supports or temporary bracing are needed before doing the work. First image below is the actual fireplace and the second a cross section diagram,. Green is the new lintel and the red scribbled area is where I will be removing the bricks/cement. I appreciate the guidance!
