Part removal of bottom half of chimney.

[Cohubs]

We are having an extension built and the chinmey needs removing as its exactly where the new wall is going up. We are only going up single storey to the rear so my question is can we remove the bottom portion and retie into the wall as is currently but just above first storey height? I like the look of keeping it for the top half (Pics attached) We will be removing the stack above the roof at a later date as need a new roof in the not so distant future. All chimneys in the house have been blocked up so not in use and never will be. Will be getting a builder to do it but the bricklayer we had over wasnt sure and wanted some advise as to what people suggest before approaching one.

Many thanks

 

[Newboy]

It might seem an obvious observation but why not get all the chimney out of the way now rather than having to contend with an extension 'in the way' soon? Much easier to make good now rather than working round whatever gets built below the remains of the chimney.

 

[Cohubs]

The chimney runs through the facias and roof, didnt really want to get scafoldding etc up right now when the roof will all be being replaced in a year or two when we go double storey to the side. Thought this might be the easiest and cheapest alternative for now as we would have to hire scaffolding and then make good of the roof and facias. We had to remove the side chimney stack as leaking and the guys had a right mare as someone had screwed the slates down and painted over so you couldnt tell. Equalled alot of extra broken slates till the issue was uncovered.

 

[theprinceofdarkness]

I suspect that flue is balanced on the wall, so removing the outer brickwork will expose the flue and leave more weight on the inside.
Frank

 

[Cohubs]

Thats my thought, if we tied it back in like it is now but higher up we wont be exposing the flue and the weight will be distributed again.

 

[hansPulesh]

You'll need to support it with something or the other. Building regs aren't normally too happy with working the bricks back into a flank wall - especially
half way up as it puts a lot more strain on the top half of the wall. You could use gallows brackets with a steel and angle iron in place - make sure it's waterproofed with something like red oxide as it's going t be outside though and then use a bituminous paint on it.

Better still. remove the whole thing and be done with it - it's false economy do it this way round.

 

[Cohubs]

Thank you, removal it is.