It depends on the age, type and construction of property.
We specialise in fireplace enlargements and renovations, often completing work in a day.
Enlarging fireplaces in Victorian and Edwardian Properties
We generally find the older Victorian and Edwardian properties have large original fireplaces that have either been blocked off or reduced in size to accommodate an open fire. Properties from these periods are generally the easiest to enlarge with the potential to leave exposed brickwork to enhance the character.
Enlarging fireplaces in bungalows.
It’s not always possible to enlarge fireplace recesses in bungalows due to their breeze block construction. The chimney stack is often protruding on the outside wall and constructed with two skins of brick containing a cavity. We are unable to enlarge the recess into the cavity by removing a skin of bricks, but there are solutions for installing a woodburner including using an inset woodburner.
Enlarging fireplaces in 1980’s & 1990’s properties.
Many properties built during these decades had fireplaces designed for gas fires due to low cost of gas at the time. Often the chimney breasts have square or circular clay liners vertically stacked to form the flue. Concreate reinforced lintels are generally used to support the clay liners and chimney when knocking out and enlarging the recess.
Many properties constructed in the 1980’s and 1990’s didn’t have chimneys or only had slim fake chimney breasts and therefore we often build false chimney breasts in order to add character to a room while hiding a twinwall chimney system within.
Please contact us on 07715104420 to discuss.
We would always recommend getting professional advice before attempting to enlarge a fireplace yourself.
