A fireplace can often make a great focal point in any room, whether your property is modern or of period construction. Fireplace lintels do not require any special treatment whether the fireplace is used, or merely for decoration.
Older properties have sometimes had their fireplaces closed up in an attempt to modernise. Today they’re being opened back up and restored to their former glory.
If you’re building a new feature, or renovating an existing fireplace, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to design. At Wade, we can help whatever your requirements.
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Browse our range of concrete fireplace lintels suitable for standard openings.
For a full overview, see our complete guide to lintels in the UK.
Building Regulations for Fireplace Lintels
The lintel over any opening has to be able to support the weight of the structure directly overhead, and any imposed loads also have to be taken into consideration. A chimney represents quite a direct loading of masonry and may also be paired with a neighbour’s stack if your property is terraced or semi-detached.
Depending upon the level, and extent of renovations, it may be wise to seek professional advice from a structural engineer before you begin.
If the renovation is light, requiring only a little rebuilding to the brickwork above a small fireplace opening, timber props, or a short acrow support may be all that’s required.
Top Tip:
When renovating an existing fireplace, it’s a good idea to call in a chimney sweep first. Chimneys can harbour a huge amount of soot, not to mention spider’s webs and even bird’s nests.
Using Timber Lintels in a Fireplace
I live in a period property, built more than two-hundred years ago, and the fireplace lintel is a massive piece of oak that is supported by two more cantilevered timbers through the back of the wall.
Replacing this lintel would be a huge project and only necessary in the event of a rebuild. In later, Georgian and Victorian construction, oak lintels were used in larger, or inglenook fireplaces, where the lintel was not in danger of burning.
With a cooking range fitted, the fire’s function was contained safely. If you need to replace a wooden lintel today, it’s a better idea to replace it with a concrete fireplace lintel. By all means use a decorative timber mantelpiece, but reinforced concrete lintels are a better option for structural support.
Renovating a Brickwork Fireplace
The problem that you’ll find with older brickwork fireplaces is the steel lintel bar may corrode over time. It’s the number one reason why that brick arch, or soldier course over the opening has sagged.
Very often there’s a more robust lintel overhead, behind the facing brickwork, providing the main support, but always check before you begin dismantling anything.
A steel lintel bar sits discreetly behind the brickwork and extends at each end into the mortar joint on either side.
Swapping out a failed steel lintel is a dirty job. There will be a build-up of soot as well as the rust and old mortar to deal with, but it shouldn’t take long before your fireplace is returned to its original condition.
Top Tip:
Chimneys, when not in use, still require ventilation to prevent damp, so never block one up entirely. Fit a hit-and-miss vent to ensure airflow in a fireplace that has been closed up.
Using Stone Lintels in a Fireplace
Stone lintels look impressive, and older buildings are often a showcase for traditional masonry. These skills are still practised today but can be expensive to employ on a renovation.
Stone lintels that have failed can be repaired but should be backed up with another supporting lintel to ensure long-term stability.
Some stone fireplaces have lasted for centuries, but modern cast stone is often decorative. If stone is required visually, a reinforced concrete lintel is typically used structurally behind it.
Concrete Lintels for Your Fireplace
For new builds, or renovations of larger fireplaces, a steel reinforced concrete lintel is the most practical choice. Concrete fireplace lintels are easy to install in masonry and perform consistently alongside brick, block and mortar.
- If you use concrete lintels in your fireplace construction or renovation, you can be confident that:
- The steel reinforcement, protected by the concrete, will not fail due to rust
- The compressive strength of concrete means that the weight of the chimney stack overhead can be safely supported
- The compatibility of steel reinforcement and concrete makes it suitable for use near heat sources
Can I Use a Steel Lintel in my Fireplace?
If you have a small fireplace opening, then a steel lintel bar can be used to support brickwork above the opening.
However, steel box lintels are generally not recommended in fireplace openings due to heat transfer. Steel expands and contracts more rapidly than masonry, which can lead to cracking or distortion over time.
Steel reinforced concrete lintels do not behave in the same way and are typically the more reliable option for active fireplaces.
Local Regulations for Fireplace Use
Some areas are designated smoke control zones, with restrictions on fuels and appliances. Always check local regulations before installing or reinstating a working fireplace.
Modern heating systems and insulation have reduced reliance on fireplaces, but they remain a strong architectural feature in many properties.
For help choosing the right lintel, view our full range of fireplace lintels or contact our team.
