Replies

1. 
   MikeSmith | Feb 20, 2010 10:55pm | #1

   might have to extend the footing.... but  if you can lay bricks... go for it...

   investigate  'rumford fireplace " for some practical  dimensions

2. 
   Nick25 | Feb 21, 2010 07:45am | #2

   Some people will use angle irons to support brick for the front face of a house where there had been no brick ledge existing.  I would think that you could take the same approach with your f.p.  Some brick ties to keep it there and I think you should be fine, alternatively you could build it with steel studs, cover it in cement board and use 'thin stone'  or a similar product. If you don't mind the look it's probaly easier.

1. 
   Nick25 | Feb 21, 2010 07:49am | #3

   I don't think fire brick would be neccessary, just non combustile

3. 
   Henley | Feb 21, 2010 08:44am | #4

   As Mike said, if your adding substantial wieght you will have to support it somehow.

    Check your local codes for the distance to combustables pertaining to the surround.

    Angle iron for the top of the new opening may be nessassary.

    Deepening the firebox Shouldn't negatively effect the draft but I would try a

   mock up first to see.

    One of the reasons a Rumford fireplace is more efficient is it's shallow firebox,

   so you can expect a loss of heat from this change. Althou that probably won't be

   noticable.

4. 
   rjw | Feb 21, 2010 04:33pm | #5

   Fireplace design is said to be part science, part luck, and part witchcraft{G}

   Extending that 8"n't likely to affect it's operation, but it may significantly screw it up, to.

   Before actually doing it, build a temporary fireproof surround to simulate the final configuration and test it out.