[jbaker1516]

In my house reno, I plan to put windows flanking the fireplace. The R.O. for the each window is 14" wide (see attached pic); they will be non-opening. My question is this - with a 14" opening, and about 5-6 (based on attached picture, haven't actually counted yet) courses of brick above each, do I need a lentil, or not? If so, is the proper procedure to remove the bottom row of bricks that will remain above the windows, insert the lentil and then re-brick that row ... or some other method? Thanks.

This was previously posted in the Construction forum (no replies). I have since deleted it from there and moved to this forum ... hopefully I hear from someone here.

 

[Just Bill]

You definitely need something to support the brick above the opening. A good mason should be able to do it without tearing out above.

But check local code on your framing around the fireplace. Combustibles have to be a certain distance from firebox opening, it looks a bit close.