Missing chimney breast

mmikailian

okay this is what happen to us when we moved into our property the ground floor had a chimney the bedroom did not and then you guessed it the loft did held by two bricks OMG apparently if the adjoining house has not taken theres out it will support your side. But was not prepared to take the risk so we but in a support the length of the bedroom a steel support i think it was called and it was boxed in and then plastered. we then knew we where safe to remove the ground floor chimney breast as well. I would say speak to a local builder, one mentioned brackets and another mentioned strapping to other side of chimney but we thought the best option is what we have done and no problems fingers crossed

wallbash

May I ask why the RSJ was placed in bedroom and not in the loft ? just being nosy.

paddedjohn

wallbash wrote: »

may i ask why the rsj was placed in bedroom and not in the loft ? Just being nosy.

bedroom ceiling/loft floor = same space

SailorSam

We had the chimney breast in a bedroom removed, it was years later when we realised the steel joist that had gone up into the loft was sitting loose on top of a few bricks, the builers are long gone. It's been over 20yrs now so probably it's safe, but it is on the 'to do' list.

HelloDave_2

Hi,
A quick update on my original message. I've removed the floorboards and it looks like there is no support for the chimney breast, so I'm going to have to get this sorted out. What do you think is the best option? Would you suggest rebuilding the missing kitchen chimney breast, and how complicated would that option be?

wallbash

so I'm going to have to get this sorted out.

yes

Would you suggest rebuilding the missing kitchen chimney breast,

No

Why would you want to rebuild the 'breast' in the kitchen , expensive , you lose valuable kitchen space you gain .... nothing.

First thought , new RSJ under existing chimney , but how are you going to support it , walls/ new pillars, lots of disruption in kitchen.

Better option , remove chimney breast in bedroom , RSJ out of sight in loft .
Gain valuable space in bedroom .

Remove chimney all together ?

Think you need to get some quotes.

wallbash

By wallbash at 2009-10-19


Days before H/S, thats a 19 foot RSJ being installed ( one accountant , one mechanic and a postman)

ukjoel

We had a similar issue.

Only found out when we wanted the chimney breast out on the middle floor. Got a brickie round and he removed the lot for £50.
Took a coupld of hours with me moving the bricks downstairs.

When we got to the below floor level we realised that the chminey breast for ground floor was a meter to the right of the first floor and they were not connected.

It had been like that for at least 10 years with no issues we were aware of. Had been sitting on joists.

Dont panic and my advice would be to remove the chimney breast and make use of the extra space.

HelloDave_2

Thanks for the advice. If I were to remove the chimney breast in the bathroom, how would I support the brickwork seeing as the breast in the kitchen below is missing? Also, as it is a party wall, presumably I'd need approval from the neighbour and the council? How long do you reckon this will all take?

wallbash

support the brickwork seeing as the breast in the kitchen below is missing

The job of the RSJ

I'd need approval from the neighbour and the council?

yes

How long do you reckon this will all take?

Ask the builder .
When I did it with a bunch of amateurs, took only a w/e