Removing chimney stack

almeida24

I've had a problem with damp on my chimney breast in the living room and rain coming through the bottom for months now and although I've had a couple of roofers out who have done work on it, it doesn't seem to be going away. Today I also noticed there is a damp patch in the bedroom upstairs. This has only just appeared so I assume it's a different issue to the first although where the damp patch is here, it is also where the top of the chimney breast is.

I'm fed up of it now and wondering if it's easier just removing the stack? I would keep the chimney breast throughout the house but just remove the top and tile over. I was hoping someone had done this before and could give me an idea of the cost? Or is it something that can be done yourself? At least the removal of the bricks and then get a roofer to tile it properly?

What is actually inside the stack? If I simply took out the bricks is there anything I need to be wary of? It has a cowl at the top also but I assume this can be taken off quite easily?
Hopefully someone can advise.

Thanks

chiefgoobster

Get a roofer in.
There is a tremendous weight in chimneys etc and it's not worth the risk / possible injury up on a roof trying to do it yourself.
At least get a quote in if nothing else.

macman

You'll need Building Control approval and possibly to serve a Party Wall Notice.
A DIY attempt will end in disaster.

almeida24

macman wrote: »

You'll need Building Control approval and possibly to serve a Party Wall Notice.
A DIY attempt will end in disaster.

The chimney breast is not joined with the neighbour, it's in the middle of the house so assume wouldn't need a Party Wall Notice?

I'm going to get a few quotes of roofers, been put off by the DIY job.

almeida24

I've had a quote for £280 to remove the top of the chimney stack and repair roof as well as replacing about a dozen broken tiles, does this seem reasonable? Seems ok to me.

macman

Does that include the scaffolding though?
Seems very cheap!

almeida24

macman wrote: »

Does that include the scaffolding though?
Seems very cheap!

They aren't using any scaffolding, it's only a bungalow so they are just using ladders. I thought it was cheap too but the roofer is very experienced and been recommended so should be ok.