Complete demo/removal of a free standing red-brick fireplace?
And you are absolutely certain that this brick pier is not a support for the roof (because you have an engineering or architectural degree, right)? Dry wall the brick. Prime and paint the drywall the same colour as the rest of the space. Build niches into the structure, wire it and use the lit spaces to display your collection of rare conch shells (or whatever). Or you could plaster directly over the brick and paint that. Of course, you won't be able to run electricity through the masonry then. I've plastered concrete block walls and you can have a lot of fun with different textures. Last summer, my husband and I removed four red brick, striclty decorative pillars which were 8' by 2' by 2'. It was messy, dusty and very heavy work. Afterwards, we had to rent a steam cleaner to get rid of the plaster dust and pay dumping fees to dispose of the bricks. The expenses can really sneak up on you!ha, it's probably going to be a big headache! you never know what's going to happen. you could potentially have to replace the whole roof, etc. not to mention if you get rid of a fireplace it could take value away from your home. you could try drywalling around the fireplace, even put in a niche for a plasma TV or art and chochkis, and then paint it a nice accent color. it will visually draw the eye up, creating a more spacious feeling, and highlighting the height of your vaulted ceilings. it's cheaper on the pocketbook too! by happygirl820
Wow, that's a job and here I am wanting a fireplace like that here in AK. Obviously I would work from the top down, and plan a lot of time and safety features!!!!! Good luck! by Grace
It is not so difficult however you must know the fireplace is sitting on a concrete footing. If you have a perimeter concrete foundation with concrete piers and a wood frame floor, you will need to restructure the floor as well as the ceiling where the fireplace was removed. Also the slope of the roof should be taken into consideration. If a very steep pitch, you might want to rethink the fireplace removal. smile. You will need to take it down from the top. there is most likely an inner liner, probably consisting of clay flue tiles. Purchase a wide masonry chisel. 2 to 3 " wide. Start by removing the concrete cap. then each layer of brick around the chimney. Place the chisel in the concrete grout joints and tap with a hammer. Should come apart easily. {Some will come apart by slight tapping on each layer of bricks with a small sledge hammer. [Single Jack] Remove each layer and when at the bottom of the first flue tile remove it. So on and so on. You can lay a tarp, cloth type, over the roof to protect the roofing, however it must be properly anchored at the top to prevent it from slipping. Take care and don't fall. It hurts. Smile. Once inside, either use a good stiff ladder or a scaffolding. These can be rented. there is most likely reinforcing steel inside the column between the flue tiles and the brick and at the base anchoring the fireplace to its footing. This will also need to be removed. If your home has a concrete floor, the area where the fireplace is removed will need to be patched, This will probably be the most demanding of the job. Smile. Just remember, be safe and don't rush it. Have fun. Hisemiester by hisemiester
And you are absolutely certain that this brick pier is not a support for the roof (because you have an engineering or architectural degree, right)? Dry wall the brick. Prime and paint the drywall the same colour as the rest of the space. Build niches into the structure, wire it and use the lit spaces to display your collection of rare conch shells (or whatever). Or you could plaster directly over the brick and paint that. Of course, you won't be able to run electricity through the masonry then. I've plastered concrete block walls and you can have a lot of fun with different textures. Last summer, my husband and I removed four red brick, striclty decorative pillars which were 8' by 2' by 2'. It was messy, dusty and very heavy work. Afterwards, we had to rent a steam cleaner to get rid of the plaster dust and pay dumping fees to dispose of the bricks. The expenses can really sneak up on you! by Judith S
