Archway In Hall Removal

[ScottishGasMan]

Hey all.

Have an arch way in my hall, I dont mind it so much, but once radiators are placed it will affect the convection of heat round the room, and would probably look better if it wasnt there.

The arch its self would appear to be false and hollow, but the rectangular area above it is solid brick.

Is there any way of telling whether this can be knocked away or not? ceilings and walls are all going to be plastered anyway so curious as to whether I can get rid of this before I get plasterer in

Untitled

• ScottishGasMan
• 27 Jan 2015
• 1

Untitled

• ScottishGasMan
• 27 Jan 2015
• 1

Untitled

• ScottishGasMan
• 27 Jan 2015
• 1

Untitled

• ScottishGasMan
• 27 Jan 2015
• 1

Untitled

• ScottishGasMan
• 27 Jan 2015
• 1

 

[theprinceofdarkness]

i have never seen this sort of arch removed. I would guess its a Victorian property with a brick arch or wooden lintel under the plaster which could be part of a spine wall of the house i.e. running side to side and helping to stabilise the upstairs wall and roof.
First off all lift some floor boards above the arch to see if its supporting the ends of the ceiling joists.
Secondly, knock the plaster of it to determine how its made, but being prepared to have it replastered as it is.
Frank

 

[ScottishGasMan]

Yea, Propertys of mostly solid brick/sandstone construction, build 1910-1920 I think.

Now that you mention that, the joists/beams in the loft above run in line with the length of that hall, and the arch is between two solid walls, if it were removed then the joists would run the full length of the house with nothing to rest on.

Think that probably answers that then!