Do I need a lintel?

Joined
28 Dec 2020
Messages
26
Reaction score
0
Country
United Kingdom
We're looking to open up a cupboard space in the kitchen.

Made up for 4 brick walls, which used to house the original heating system. Concrete pad sitting on top of the brickwork below ceiling level. (Just above the vent for reference)

Chimney sits on the concrete and continues through rest of the house and loft. Chimney is smaller in width than the concrete it sits on and offset to the back left corner.

To my understanding it would be best to fit a new lintel higher up above the existing door. With the 150mm bearing either side it would allow an internal width of approx 610mm.

My question really is, is the lintel necessary as it won't be support any bricks above, only the 4th edge of the concrete pad. It would still be held by the remaining 3 walls. Is it not almost a lintel in itself.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hopefully my badly drawn diagrams will help explain.

20201228_133222.jpg

Screenshot_20210107-135025_Gallery.jpg

Screenshot_20210107-135028_Gallery.jpg


20210201_223245.jpg


From above:
Screenshot_20210201-222921_Samsung Notes.jpg
 
A slab of that thickness should self support over that distance.

Is that an asbestos board on the underside of the slab?
 
Its cement/fire board. Put there by the plumbers to cap the flue when they removed the boiler last year.
 
Back
Top