Knocking into a chimney breast

[brucie]

i've removed the existing gas fire in the dining room of my house and would like to expand the hole to make it decorative.

Im aware i need to put in a new concrete lintel, but do i need to put up RSJ's whilst i am knocking out the wall?

[welsh brickie]

the original fireplace was built with either a concrete lintol or it will have brick arch .
So it should be safe but if in any doubt use a acro prop and a device called a strong boy,Its a steel plate that fits on top of the acro and you can screw this up tight to existing brickwork .

[TheDoctor5]

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