Victorian Brickwork in attic - security risk

flashnazia

I don't think you're overreacting. I had the same problem and did not feel safe so got it bricked up. Plaster board might be easier though.

wallbash

I used Breeze blocks , was part of the conditions of gaining a grant from council.

laurel7172

Going back a long time...when I bought a terrace, brick partitions between the lofts was a requirement of the mortgage company. They said it was because of the fire risk. And I'm sure it was something the surveyor checked when I sold it, too...

So, not necessarily a security risk, but could be a fire risk, and possibly a risk that a future sale could fall through.

Personally, I'd block it up. But perhaps it's a party wall, and I understand that can get a bit complicated...anyone???

C_Mababejive

Even modern houses are made with only plasterboard between you and the neighbours,,and not only in the loft!!

eamon

Its a security risk. A few houses ago I lived in a "back to back" terrace house. Got burgled and the police coudn't work how they got in. It wasn't untill I was upstairs using the facilities and noticed what looked like small specks of insulating materials on the floor that the truth dawned on me.

crayola

Whoah, I live in a house with just this configuration and this whole thread is really creeping me out! I've never thought about this before but will certainly be having a good look when I get home from the xmas break.

macman

Owners of many London terraces will note that their party walls project above the roof line as a parapet. This was required by local Westminster and London statute for all houses built after a certain date, as a fire-safety measure. Not sure of the date, but think it was before 1900 (mine has this and was built in 1904). The idea was that the projecting parapet gave visible proof that the party wall continued up to roof level.