Advice needed please.

[David Lawrence]

Good afternoon all.

I'm after some help please we recently moved into a semi 3 bed home and I recently went in the loft and noticed the small chimney breast doesn't look supported.

I went to check as I noticed there were no chimney breasts in the rear of the property I've taken some pictures... the chimney is still above roof line shared with next door. This job looks like it was done many years ago but I don't know if supports were needed.

Thanks for any help.

 

[conny]

Is the third picture taken above the ceiling and below the 'unsupported breast?
It looks as though there is some form of rudimentary cross support from the side wall to the first joist. I'm not a builder so can't confirm but it looks a bit iffy to me.
It may stay up for the next 50 years, but then again, it may not.
I'm sure someone with more knowledge will be along shortly to give an opinion/advice.

 

[David Lawrence]

Hi yes the third picture is below the breast and above the ceiling....yes someone has put some wood under there but there is no pressure on it as it can move... I'm thinking of getting someone to put some gallow brackets underneath but they will need to take some bricks out first I think.

 

[blup]

A steel beam may be an alternative to a gallows bracket, you will need an SE to design something appropriate.

Blup

 

[David Lawrence]

Thank you yes its looking like the way to go.

 

[^woody^]

Remove the bottom 4 courses and fit gallow brackets and a plate.

A beam spanning the walls is a waste of time and money for such a small load