Chimney breast removed - no support in loft

[Deleted User]

The chimney breast at the rear of my house has been removed for some time, probably over 30 years ago. After some investigating today up in the loft, it doesn't seem to be supported as the chimney is still running down to the ceiling of the back bedroom. After removing some boards that were blocking up a void in the airing cupboard, I can see right up this chimney.

The chimney, or what's left of it, travels up through the loft at a slant as it goes to the same chimney stack as the front of the house.

Should this redundant rear chimney be supported?

I'll try and take some photos tomorrow if I can sort the lighting out.

Southend1

Sounds like it should be supported. Get a professional in to take a look ASAP before tons of bricks fall on you!

spannerzone

Sure sounds like it needs some support, at least it hasn't collapsed yet after 30 years but I wouldn't want to leave it like that for much longer!

macman

Are you sure there are no gallows brackets in there?

[Deleted User]

There doesn't look like there is any brackets holding it up. It half covered by a plasterboard as per photo, with the rest of the chimney exposed. Complete with loads of soot.

[IMG]http://!!!!!!/uploads/1408366735.jpg[/IMG]

cyclonebri1

Is that a double chimney stack pictured there? ie have 2 fireplace been removed.

I was going to say from your description that the existing stack is probably supporting the loss of the 1 removed, but now I'm unsure.

Get someone to look at it for you, as said it's been like that for years, but 1 good fracking:D could bring it down.

In actual fact the only part that will fall is the none supported bottom triangle, the bricks above form a corbel support, but there will be an inwards load on the whole wall, which whilst the roof is in place shouldn't be a real issue but.............

[Deleted User]

The second dark hole at the bottom of the pic is what I think, is just a space between the front chimney and this rear chimney. But seems to be bricked in up in the loft causing a void between the two chimney breasts. There must have been two fireplaces removed as originally there would have been one in the kitchen below this bedroom/airing cupboard at one point.

The airing cupboard seems to have been built in the place of the old rear chimney breast as their is a concrete base in it in place of floor boards.

Next door still have the rear chimney breast as I saw the photos when the house next door was recently up for sale.

cyclonebri1

Then take the safe approach, get someone to look at it, you don't have use them at that stage.