Type of render on Victorian fireplace?

[Alitabatabaie]

Hi all,

newbie here in need of some advice,would be grateful for any comments!

we have just started reopening the fireplace in the basement of our terraced Victorian house (circa 1870s)

pulling off the skim plaster we have discovered another material instead of bricks. We are not sure whether it’s cement, lime plaster, breezeblocks etc it’s very thick whatever it is and not sure where to go with it

would be grateful if anyone could advise on what it is and best way to proceed eg chisel away or call in the prifessionals

have posted a few pics

cheets!!

 

[smoother09]

Get a nice big log burner in there let the pros sort it!

 

[Chris W]

be effin careful with it whatever you do.... if its old and its designed to cope with intense heat theres a very high likelyhood it contains asbestos... and not the good s**t either... the nasty fook you up s**t...

 

[bobski]

Get Bodie and Doyle

 

[Brimstone]

Lime cement wall finish - leave or replace with same if it's going to be a real stove or fireplace. Inside looks like cement or lime cement again. Should be ok as is, emulsion paint not a gloss. Rusty crap metal closure plate - remove. block off with a cement board. If you want a real fire or a stove it'll best be metal but get in a HETAS professional. Don't DIY as it's easier to get it wrong than it is to get it right and your house insurance will be invalid. Be prepared to pay for their work not their time, remember it will last for 15-20 years. However, don't pay stove shop installation prices, there are lots of independents on the HETAS web site.