Unsupported chimney breast

sgreading

Hi all
We have just found out that the chimney breasts in our upstairs bedrooms are unsupported (the downstairs chimney breasts were removed 18+ years ago and we didn't worry about any of this when we bought our house 3 years ago but now we know they're unsupported we're freaking out).
What are the most cost effective options?
How long does it take for supports to be inserted in?
How long does it take to get building regs?!
Bearing in mind this has all been up for ages and there are no signs of movement, how unsafe is this situation?
Thank you very much

Ebe_Scrooge

The "correct" thing to do is either get them supported, or else remove the remaining parts of the breast completely. This is something any reputable builder could do.


However, if they've lasted 18 years without any problems, I'm not really sure you've much to worry about. Were any problems highlighted in the inspection when you bought the house ?

srm1

If the chimney breast is on a party wall and you decide to remove the remainder, this could require a party wall agreement with it's associated costs.

Keep_pedalling

I live in a semi, and my previous neighbours did this. It would have been very interesting if I had tried to do the same, as I think that would have resulted in both of us with a front room full of rubble and chimney pots.

My new neighbours sorted this out soon after they moved in by removing the upstairs brest and putting in proper support for what remained above.

Yours may seem stable but that does not rule out a future sudden collapse, you need to get it sorted.

Halloumi

How do you know that the chimney breasts are unsupported?

27col

Halloumi wrote: »

How do you know that the chimney breasts are unsupported?

Good question.

wallbash

Halloumi wrote: »

How do you know that the chimney breasts are unsupported?

A little look in the under the floor boards might be the clue!

But would the OP recognize Gallow brackets?


quote .. We have just found out that the chimney breasts in our upstairs bedrooms

Now I personally know of two houses where the chimney breasts have been removed from the downstairs and the upstairs but remain in the loft . Not supported but the bricks are corbelled.And have been for well over 40 years.
( and yes I did bring this to the owners attention)

I am surprised that this was not brought up at point of sale.
Seems like a cheap house survey was commissioned.

how unsafe is this situation?

Well its not ideal but as posted its survived 18 years.

Get a builder in and get it sorted.

Ps if Gallow brackets were used, they were certainly legal then .

You can't use them now ( in my area) but I don't know the legal position. But they still sell them


PPS Gallow Bracket looks like an oversize shelf support made of metal

Davesnave

Ebe_Scrooge wrote: »

However, if they've lasted 18 years without any problems, I'm not really sure you've much to worry about.

Nothing to worry about until they come to sell, that is!

The OP is already worrying, so I am 'fairly sure' that the advice of a structural engineer should be sought, the advised remedy carried out and building regs approval obtained.

I agree, a sudden collapse without any warning would be unlikely after 18 years.