Missing chimney breast

HelloDave_2

Hi,
Have recently purchased a Victorian terraced house and the kitchen chimney breast (fairly large) has been removed, but the breast in the room immediately above it remains intact. The previous owner said that it was like this when she purchased it 4 years ago, and I suspect that the removal took place many years ago.

Therefore, my suspicion is that there is little or no support for the chimney breast structure - I cannot tell if there is any support as the kitchen ceiling is plastered over and the floor above has lino.

I'm starting to contact structural engineers to see if they can take a look for me and advise on remedial action.

I am getting really stressed that it's all going to collapse imminently, so was wondering if any of you guys had any experience in these matters, or advice?

Thanks.

wallbash

this when she purchased it 4 years ago,

that it's all going to collapse imminently

Not very logical .Of course it should be investigated but

I'm starting to contact structural engineers

Way over the top . Lift a couple of floor boards , have a look.

headcoat

You could also contact the Local Building control and see if B Reg had been applied for, not sure how far back there records would go, but doing this sort of work should have involved an application, which in turn should have shown up in the solicitors searches.

HelloDave_2

Thanks for your replies. I'll take a look under the floorboards to see what's there, but as it seems the work was done many years ago, I'm not looking forward to what I'll find!

My solicitor didn't mention finding anything in the searches, so I'm assuming it was either too long ago, or no application was ever made.

So what are my options if my investigation under the floorboards finds that there is no adequate support?

What is the likelihood of the chimney breast collapsing?

p.s. I'm a first-time buyer so all of this housebuying process has been a bit of a stress, and it looks like it's going to continue for a bit yet

wallbash

What is the likelihood of the chimney breast collapsing?

Wot today ?? Tomorrow ??Next month, next year ..... never?

If I had to bet , money would go on .. never!

So what are my options if my investigation under the floorboards finds that there is no adequate support?

Put some support in!
Lets take it one step at a time.

MX5huggy

I would take out the 1st floor breast as well supporting the external chimney in the loft with a designed bracket.

HelloDave_2

Thanks for your advice guys. I'll take a look under the floorboards and will let you know what I find - as you say Wallbash, one step at a time. Have had a look at other forums, and it seems that there are quite a few people who are/were in a similar situation to me - are unsupported chimney breasts quite common then?

BeauBelle

We took out a ground floor chimney breast and left the rest intact.

We put in a Gallows bracket as recommended by our Building Control Officer, it cost approx £300 to put in including the labour (we live in the SE)

Hope it helps

BB
xx

wallbash

Here in Herts , Gallow brackets are not allowed ( or if I am wrong met an awkward Inspector)

are unsupported chimney breasts quite common then?

Fortunately not , but I personally know of two !

The chimneys are 'corballed' back and at least one is as solid today as it was 35 years ago .
When as a rank DIY amateur I did my first ,( early '70's ) and installed an RSJ the building inspector was delighted to see what/how we done.

DVardysShadow

MX5huggy wrote: »

I would take out the 1st floor breast as well supporting the external chimney in the loft with a designed bracket.

I would do the opposite. I would take the chimney down and fill the hole in the roof - but leave the 1st floor chimney breast in place for the time being. This will immediately reduce the load and allow the 1st floor chimney breast to be moved at a time of your choosing.

I certainly would not bracket to support a redundant chimney.

wallbash

I would take the chimney down and fill the hole in the roof -

Kitchen chimney breast

Does this suggest that there is another 'breast' in the front room , and therefore the chimney is still ( so far) functions .

Just a thought.