Fitting Gallows Brackets

Senora

Hi

We have recently discovered that the previous owners of our property
removed ground and first floor chimney breasts without completing the
necessary supporting works in the loft area. The work was carried out
at least 20 years ago and the brickwork is still solid and secure.

Can anyone give us any idea as to how much it would cost to carry out
remedial work, which we understand is to fit 'Gallows Brackets?'

Thanks

markowen

From your description, it sounds like the chimney still exists in the loft. In this case, putting in gallows brackets will cut into the space in your first floor rooms, as they are effectively a piece of wood on the wall, one on the underside of the chimney, then one connecting these to form a triangle (think about when you play hangman and draw the triangle at the top of the gallows- it's where the name comes from!). If this is the case, personally I would say either leave it as is (we also have an unsupported chimney) or get a recommended builder to give suggestions on adding lintels/ joists within the structure of the loft floor/ first floor ceiling. However, you will have to re-plaster the ceiling as well, so won't be cheap.

If the chimney isn't in the loft, or is only partially in the loft, you are probably best off getting soeone handy with a saw and rill to make the brackets up and fit them.

ormus

i agree. it all depends where the actual bottom of the chimney stack is.
if theres room in the loft for 2 metal brackets then its a fairly simple job to install. the brackets should not cost that much either.
if its in the ceiling void, then its more complicated and therefore more expensive. maybe a lot more.