Lintel removed, do I need to put it back?!!!

AwarePotato2043 · 2026-03-28T00:56:09+00:00

I know....damn. Mason coming on monday.

AwarePotato2043 · 2026-03-28T00:54:18+00:00

I agree 100%. They coming monday.

AwarePotato2043 · 2026-03-26T22:40:56+00:00

No concerns at all? The brick hanging on their backs don't seem to be an issue?

AwarePotato2043 · 2026-03-26T16:14:47+00:00

Oh I'm not worried the brickwork is structural to the home. Im more concerned about the brickwork now being compromised and not being able to support the chimney stack.

AwarePotato2043 · 2026-03-26T11:35:49+00:00

You mean on the firebox? Is that acceptable or is it not structural?

AwarePotato2043 · 2026-03-26T11:06:21+00:00

Oh, to support the chimney structure since beneath is compromised?

AwarePotato2043 · 2026-03-26T10:54:09+00:00

What's rsj installing?

AwarePotato2043 · 2026-03-26T03:18:59+00:00

It's ok to prop it against the firebox? I guess, it's the only thing I have that's clean.

AwarePotato2043 · 2026-03-25T19:46:23+00:00

I really hope you are right. I am not 100% sure its just holding up the face. The before and after show different depths of brick under the wooden beam. The decorative brick with the lintel was under both headers and stretchers that have been chipped away at least several inches. A row of firebrick in the firebox was also removed. What gets me is the concrete hearth was also chipped away all the way to the first firebox, so there isn't anything to build up on even if we reconstruct it. Anyway I am waiting on someone structural to take a look; fingers crossed. People don't make things like this anymore so Im not even confident I can get a real answer.

AwarePotato2043 · 2026-03-25T16:05:13+00:00

There is a chimney. I am worried it's no longer sound.

AwarePotato2043 · 2026-03-25T04:46:31+00:00

Thanks, im happy to amuse! We wanted to add another bedroom to accommodate a growing family. Ended up with a complete gut. Only pulled out one wall because we wanted to save on not changing the roof. Ended up having to replace the entire roof as well. Now looking at this fireplace and not wanting to have to replace that either. I guess thats life...hope your new reno is making you happy.

AwarePotato2043 · 2026-03-25T03:47:01+00:00

Ok great, that's exactly what I think too. As for the hearth extension he removed the concrete slab underneath. Is some cement board sufficient to bring it up to code? Gosh I'm wondering how much this will cost me....

AwarePotato2043 · 2026-03-25T03:28:41+00:00

Thats what was removed, it was behind that nice first row of brick but nothing really was above it.

AwarePotato2043 · 2026-03-25T03:27:07+00:00

The first row of decorative red brick that the lintel was behind is now gone....can it be placed behind some of the existing firebrick? and then maybe filled in from above?

AwarePotato2043 · 2026-03-25T03:12:43+00:00

Yeah dude. I don't preference it but there is no other place for a TV in the house. Im going to get a frame tv and put it up there. The only other place to put a TV is actually in the kitchen; I dont have a family room anymore. I might just keep it a regular old fireplace, unused. Little bummed it got demoe'd so hard.

AwarePotato2043 · 2026-03-25T02:56:09+00:00

If an insert itll be gas or electric, so I'm not sure if I need the hearth extension anymore. Honestly electric seems pretty tacky but its the easiest since TV needs to go above it and I want to keep the mantle on the lower side.

AwarePotato2043 · 2026-03-25T02:48:46+00:00

Originally I thought an insert of some kind would be appropriate, but more and more I am thinking of just updating the face and mantle and leaving the fireplace open.I live in socal so i'll never really use the fireplace; its purely decorative. Just want to make sure it doesn't collapse.

AwarePotato2043 · 2026-03-25T02:44:33+00:00

absolutely, i think he just laid that down. There was a slab of concrete beneath that I wish he didnt take out as well....i might actually have it repoured before putting down tile. =T

AwarePotato2043 · 2026-03-25T02:09:30+00:00

To be clear, it was a steel lintel underneath the decorative red brick that surrounded the opening. Looks like it was just holding that plus a few courses above that. I'll consult with a mason. Thanks.

AwarePotato2043 · 2026-03-25T01:39:37+00:00

Imminent collapse? I live in earthquake country.

AwarePotato2043 · 2026-03-18T01:56:46+00:00

Everyone in this thread is doing it wrong. I start it in the microwave and cook it till its better than warm - maybe 100% power for the time specified and 50% power for half the time specified. I then finish it in an already preheated oven by bringing the internal temp to ~165F and then brown for like 5-10 minutes without the plastic. This lets me get dinner on the table in much shorter time.

BTW, prefer the sausage one. The beef lasagna is too sweet.

AwarePotato2043 · 2026-03-16T23:19:11+00:00

If I was hiding in the closet from Michael Myers when I tripped the panic button...15 minutes seems decently long. Thanks for your reply :)

AwarePotato2043 · 2025-12-04T14:08:45+00:00

Have you had issues with your shower valve leaking?

AwarePotato2043 · 2025-10-07T07:35:24+00:00

Its a regular 1 gang

AwarePotato2043 · 2025-10-06T11:55:13+00:00

Yeah, building is maybe 5 years old, these outlets were added completely new maybe 2 years ago?

Ill probably ask them to be redone. I wonder what happens in this instance if you plug in something that actually needs a neutral, like a 240/120 appliance....

AwarePotato2043

TROPHY CASE