Chimney removal advice

[7omkin]

Untitled

• 7omkin
• 10 Feb 2010
• 1

Hi Guys,

Advice needed to remove the chimney from my existing ground floor and first floor and terminate and seal the remaining chimney in the loft supported by appropriate gallows brackets.

The nieghbours have already removed theirs in the past and terminated in the loft as well.


My question is, as per the image attached, how safe is it for the stability of the wall and the remaining structure. What cautions do I need to take to undertake this work. Builder and architect says its fine but I just need to be sure before starting this work as I has a potential to turn nasty.

Tomkin

 

[Chukka63]

once you get the brackets in position just remove it with a kango or similar.

 

[7omkin]

Thanks for the reply.

Will there be no stability issues of the structure given that chimney is
missing from the other side of the common wall ?

 

[stuart45]

Chimneys can provide a buttress effect on walls, but it is up to your SE to decide. Many have been done like yours without problems.

 

[Chukka63]

shouldnt be a problem.just take care to cut the bricks down nice and flush with the wall youre leaving in position.

 

[7omkin]

Thanks for the assurance guys.

I have not got any SE involved. Perhaps i should, will speak to the architect !

Thanks again.
Tomkin

 

[Blagard]

I have seen many chimney breast removals and providing the rest of the structure is sound, never once come across any stability issues. However where any element of the chimney breast remains, such as in the loft, the details for supporting this required building control approval.

Out of interest I was a little uncertain what you meant by terminated in the loft. It seemed as if you were referring to the lower part of the breast remaining. Thats OK, but even better is to remove the stack above the roof and get it roofed over. - This usually only possible when a shared stack is no longer required such as in your own case. It removes a considerable weight and gets rid of all the flashings.

You might need a new TV aerial though!

 

[ajrobb]

I think you must get your neighbours' permission in order to comply with the Party Wall Act 1996. The following link guides you through the process:

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/public/buildingregs/legislation/bregspartywallact/

 

[Blagard]

I think you must get your neighbours' permission

You absolutely must! - But I think there is a good chance the neighbour will agree if approached the right way since it does seem the stack may be redundant.

The only thing left to check is if the stack serves more than one chimney breast. It is common to gather all flues in the loft space into a single stack giving perhaps four flues to each house.

 

[7omkin]

Hi Guys, thanks for you advice.

I already have permission from the neighbor about my extension work. Will ask them about this as well.

Will keep you posted.

 

[ajrobb]

I discussed some proposed works with my local Building Inspector and he indicated which works probably come under The Party Wall etc Act 1996 and I think that chimney breast removal was one of them. I suggest you have a chat with your local Building Inspector.

I think The Act suggests you approach the neighbours informally first but REQUIRES you submit a written request and get written permission to carry out stated works that may affect the structure of a party wall at least 2 months before you start the work (although your neighbour can agree to you starting early). I think the permission then lasts 12 months.

The 26 page explanatory booklet gives example letters to exchange (just fill in the blanks). It all looks pretty sensible and cheap to do. The Act also covers excavations and walls near boundaries, so work on your extension might require your neighbour's written permission too.