About 2 years ago we engaged a builder to remove our chimneys from ground and first floor. It transpired he was a cowboy who believed Building Regs did not apply to chimney removal. Unfortunately we were contracted to use him.
To avoid any issues with inadequate support, we were advised to have him also remove the breasts in the loft, and stack on roof, too. I should add this is the party wall chimney. [We have no PWA because said builder advised us it was unnecessary - and we only realised otherwise afterwards].
I recently read an article by a local structural engineer who claimed that removing chimneys complete as we did can create issues with the adjoining chimney as it is unsupported and can cause buckling or instability.
Other professionals in my house have also expressed concern that the stack is now halved in thickness and only supported by the adjoining chimney breasts.
Anything to worry about?
Please only realistic responses. I don't need scare mongering
To avoid any issues with inadequate support, we were advised to have him also remove the breasts in the loft, and stack on roof, too. I should add this is the party wall chimney. [We have no PWA because said builder advised us it was unnecessary - and we only realised otherwise afterwards].
I recently read an article by a local structural engineer who claimed that removing chimneys complete as we did can create issues with the adjoining chimney as it is unsupported and can cause buckling or instability.
Other professionals in my house have also expressed concern that the stack is now halved in thickness and only supported by the adjoining chimney breasts.
Anything to worry about?
Please only realistic responses. I don't need scare mongering