Removing chimney breasts reduce structural support

Nausing

Hi all,

Just wondering if removing chimney breasts from a detached Victorian town-house in London could reduce the overall structural integrity of the building?

The chimney stacks have already been removed during the loft conversion but we are considering removing the rest of the breasts on the 1st and ground floors of the house..

The wall on the other side of the property has a history of structural movement and has a tie rod to hold it to the joists. I am worried if I remove all the chimney breasts it could have a knock on affect with the whole buildings support.

Thank you.

Doozergirl

Proper, professional advice tailored to your own property is exactly what structural engineers are for.

All things are possible, it will sometimes depend on the cost vs benefit.

Furts

Plus when the Structural Engineer visits and inspects it would be wise to get an opinion on what happened with the loft conversion. If things are wrong here then you will be getting double value from the visit.

EachPenny

Nausing wrote: »

Just wondering if removing chimney breasts from a detached Victorian town-house in London could reduce the overall structural integrity of the building?

Potentially yes, which is why I agree with Doozergirl and Furts - a professional structural engineer will be able to tell you. Don't ask someone who just knows a bit about buildings (e.g. a builder) because you are going to need expert advice.