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Removal of chimney on central wall - is this possible?

Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 3.50 PM

We are buying a semi-detached property that has a chimney breast on the internal lounge wall, that currently separates the lounge and dining room. The chimney breast continues upstairs, through the loft and there is a chimney stack. The chimney is not on the party wall with the attached semi, it is in the 'middle' wall of the house. It is obviously load bearing, but is it likely to cause issues if the chimney and dividing wall is removed to open up the 2 living areas, replacing with an RSJ of some sort?

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5 Answers

EJR Pro Build

Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Reading
Hi there, Yes this is possible you would just reduce the chimney from roof to ground floor infill rafters and repair roof and ridge. Depentant on whether the ground floor joists sit on the wall or perpendicular to the wall is whether a support beam is put in some joists may need altering or replace. Hope this helps
Answered11 June 2020
1

Black star consultancy Ltd

Rating: 4 out of 5
Bedford
Hi its not a problem for your semi-detached the party walls will have strong self-supporting brick work, so you can usually remove the ground floor breast without to many problems and shouldn't cause much imbalance.
Answered11 June 2020
1

Anonymous user

Before you think about removing the stack and supporting wall you should talk to a structural engineer. If you are taking a substantial amount of wall out, they will tell you exactly what support you will need. If you just wanted the stack gone that's a lot easier but you're wanting to open the area so definitely talk to an expert. Hope this helps
Answered11 June 2020
1

Patrick Thompson

Rating: 5 out of 5
Orpington
I would advise the client to remove the entire chimney breast and the chimney stack. That way you eliminate the steels and the engineer and then you have extra room in the lounge, and the bedroom. You still need permission from the council. Hope this helps.
Answered11 June 2020
0

Anonymous user

Yes as long the correct precautions are in place before you do this
Answered12 June 2020
0