Removal of fireplace

[peachesmads]

Hello.
I’m just wanting some advice please on what I can do about my fireplace

I have 3 young children and have seen a recent article about a freak accident involving a child and a fireplace randomly coming off the wall. There is a few more articles over the years of this happening and now I want the fireplace removing to be safe

It is a limestone surround which is large and seems heavy but around the fireplace I can see the sealant but there is a part where the sealant has worn away

Can I remove it myself or will I need a pro in? Thank you

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Sounds bizarre, got some photos?

 

[peachesmads]

I’ve took a pic where it looks like the sealant has come off

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

The photos aren't very good, they should show the whole fireplace, What's it made of? It's probably mechanically fixed to the wall.

 

[foxhole]

One freak accident and you want to remove your fireplace .???

 

[peachesmads]

it wasn’t just one freak accident, after searching I found a couple more articles the same thing happening. Same fireplace

 

[opps]

Which fire place do you have?

 

[peachesmads]

I will upload pic when home

 

[opps]

it wasn’t just one freak accident, after searching I found a couple more articles the same thing happening. Same fireplace

It seems that it is indeed a (slight) risk.

Fireplace which fell and killed toddler held in by glue and screws

Two-year-old Bram Radcliffe died in hospital after accident at his home in Golcar

www.examinerlive.co.uk

The above notes that the fire place had been slightly wobbly before it fell over. Have you tired tugging on yours? With regards to your image, the sealant is where it meets the dado rail. That part is cosmetic and not structural.

 

[Sunshine32]

The fire surround which came off the wall in this story was 60kg and attached to plasterboard. Likely the wrong fixings were used too.

Woman here. It weighs 60kg, that is a lot. That is 60 bags of sugar for real life comparison. If you’re female with young children around I personally wouldn’t attempt to remove it yourself because if it topples over when you’re trying to get it out, it’ll be dangerous for you due to the weight. Also it is hard work and creates one hell of a mess. I’ve removed old mantels and fireplaces before myself but nothing near to that weight.

 

[peachesmads]

This is the fireplace