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Chimney & Fireplace

removing a chimney breast without removing the stack

Anonymous user 03/03/2024 - 3.15 PM

I would like to remove the chimney breasts in my house to create more internal space. The issue is, however, that the house is semi-detached and the chimney stack is shared with adjoining neighbour. The easiest course of action would be to remove the chimney stack on both sides, but despite the fact that the fireplaces are permanently unused and blocked in my neighbour's house she will not give permission for me to remove her side of the chimney stack (I'm willing to pay 100% of the cost), no matter how much I try to persuade her of the long-term maintenance benefits of getting rid of it. I was wondering, therefore, is it a reasonably simple job to support a chimney stack where the breast beneath it has been removed? Or am I letting myself into a bit of a 'mare? (I am aware I'll have to submit a party wall notice in any event). UPDATE: thank you for the replies. Just to add, I am getting a loft conversion done at the same time, and would therefore like to remove the chimney breast in the loft as well. Would it still be possible to support the chimney stack in these circumstances?

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2 Answers

Anonymous user

Hi, When removing a chimney breast, its typically quite straight forward. However as well as a party wall award being put in place, you will also need to obtain structural calculations/design from an engineer, and in addition submit a building notice into building control. Whilst Gallows brackets used to be satisfactory, lots of local authorities will not except them now and will insist on inserting an RSJ underside. Hope this clarify's In response to your question related to your loft conversion, once again every project is different, however typically the RSJ that has been inserted underside the the chimney breast would be positioned /straddling between the newly installed RSJ's that are designed to suspend the floor joists for your proposed loft conversion. So the answer to your question is yes, its perfectly fine.

Answered18 May 2017

W E Build Ltd.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Reading

Hi, When you have your party wall agreement in place, you can remove the chimney up into the loft area (obviously propping it first!) and then use two or more gallows brackets with a concrete lintel across to support the brickwork above. Note that the party wall must be at least 220mm thick to be strong enough but the structural engineer could confirm this for you.

Answered17 May 2017