What happens when you remove a chimney?
Removing a chimney isn’t as simple as getting rid of the visible stack. This part is only a tiny portion of the actual chimney structure. A full removal involves getting rid of the entire structure and often leads to extra space in rooms where the breast is intruding.
What is needed when removing a chimney?
As chimney breast removal alters the structure of the building, there are a number of important building regulations you will need to adhere to, covering:
- Structural strength.
- Fire and electrical safety.
- Sound insulation.
- Ventilation and damp prevention.
- Maintenance of a neighbouring chimney.
- Plumbing work.
Is it a good idea to remove a chimney?
WARNING: While it is possible to remove a chimney yourself, it isn’t a good idea unless you have home improvement experience, you’re comfortable performing manual labor up on your roof, and you have a helper nearby to assist you and maintain safety as much as possible from the ground.
Is it a big job to remove a chimney?
Removing your chimney does not necessarily mean everything from top to bottom has to be taken out. Not only would this job be monstrous, but it would also be expensive and require extensive design. Instead, most will remove key sections depending on their requirements.
Does chimney removal need planning permission?
In order to remove your chimney stack without permission you are going to need to make sure that your building is not a listed building. It also needs to not be in a conservation area. You also need to ensure that you use materials which match the materials that have already been used on the property when it was built.
How are chimneys attached to house?
A common and cheaper temporary fix that could have been done to hold the chimney in place is to fill the gap between the leaning chimney and main house structure with mortar or some type of caulking or expanding foam insulation. The chimney could also be fastened into place with metal straps.
Do you need a structural engineer to remove a chimney breast?
NB You are always likely to require the services of a Structural Engineer if you intend on removing the chimney and breast. If you don’t get an expert involved, you risk serious structural degradation to your property which might result in the building collapsing which carries the risk of death.
Who is responsible for shared chimney?
Shared chimney stacks are not ‘party’ i.e. the two owners do not have rights over the whole structure – there is likely to be a party wall within the stack separating the flues of the two owners but that is not normally the defective element as it is protected from the weather.
Do you need building regs to remove chimney breast?
Is Building Control approval required? Building regulations apply only to the structural works and thus when removing internal chimney breasts, Building Control approval is required.
How much does it cost to close up a chimney?
Sealing a chimney can cost between $20 and $60 for sealant you’ll apply yourself and between $200 and $400 for a professional company to seal your chimney. Price also depends on your chimney’s size, if you want it waterproofed or not, and ease of accessibility. Why should you seal your chimney?
Can chimney breasts be removed?
External chimney stack removal can be done from outside the building and, if done carefully, need not disrupt any internal decoration. An internal chimney breast can be removed at ground and/or first floor without having to remove the external stack.
Should I remove chimney stack?
You should only reduce or remove your chimney if you’re absolutely sure it isn’t providing ventilation or being used as a flue by any heat-producing appliance.
Do chimneys provide structural support?
Chimneys 101
A majority of chimneys are independently supported and are not structural to the walls or roof. However, it isn’t uncommon for chimneys to be in the middle of a home or stretch from the foundation, through multiple stories, and out the roof.
Why do people remove chimney stacks?
The majority of people who have their chimney stacks removed is because the chimney is in poor condition. It usually costs more to have it repaired than to have it removed. One of the other common reasons people have their chimney stacks removed is because they aren’t used any more.
Can a chimney be removed?
Fireplace and Chimney Removal Costs
If you need to remove the inconvenient or dangerous parts of a chimney or fireplace, you can avoid the massive cost of demolishing the entire system and structure. A partial chimney or fireplace demolition costs $500 to $2,000. A complete removal could run $4,000 to $6,000.
How long does it take to remove chimney?
It takes, on average, about four to eight hours to remove just a chimney stack, one and a half days to remove a chimney breast, whether on the ground floor or first floor, two to three days to remove an entire chimney breast while leaving the stack in place, or three to four days for the same work but with the chimney …
How do you dismantle a chimney?
Remove chimney
Climb on the roof to get access to the chimney in case you have fireplace bricks. Chisel the mortar around fireplace bricks for removing it individually. Keep working on your way down to the chimney base. Continue removing bricks layer by layer until the chimney is below the roofline.
How can I tell if a fireplace is load bearing?
If there is a wall on top of it and that wall supports another level of your house, that’s a load-bearing wall. You could also check the crawl space underneath your home to check for the signs. If you see a cinder block or a supporting beam connected with the wall in question, then that’s also a load-bearing wall.
Do I need a structural engineer to remove a load-bearing wall?
Usually, the removal of a load-bearing wall can be completed with a building notice, but the inspector may instruct you to hire a structural engineer who can specify an appropriate beam or lintel before they will grant approval.
Can you remove fireplace without removing chimney?
Masonry fireplaces are more difficult to remove, and the process can get messy. You’d have to completely tear down the chimney breast, and that may create more problems than it solves. In any case, hire a professional to inspect it and do the work.
