Filling chimney breast hole after removal

aj9648

Hi

I have had my chimney breasts on the 1st floor removed (already gone downstairs). Before I put new skirts on I need to fill this hole up. At the moment its just full of rubble and stones - whats the most suitable way of covering this before carpets went down - I was told screed and floor leveller might be an option.

Any opinions from hearty DIY'ers?

Thanks

EachPenny

aj9648 wrote: »

I have had my chimney breasts on the 1st floor removed (already gone downstairs). Before I put new skirts on I need to fill this hole up. At the moment its just full of rubble and stones - whats the most suitable way of covering this before carpets went down - I was told screed and floor leveller might be an option.

Is there a picture?

If the hole is on the first floor level then timber and boards would be the expected solution... rubble and stones would normally be removed because they are unlikely to be attached in a structurally sound manner to the surrounding floor, and also would pose a serious risk to anyone who removed the ceiling below in the future.

aj9648

EachPenny wrote: »

Is there a picture?

If the hole is on the first floor level then timber and boards would be the expected solution... rubble and stones would normally be removed because they are unlikely to be attached in a structurally sound manner to the surrounding floor, and also would pose a serious risk to anyone who removed the ceiling below in the future.

That's why we got rid of the breasts - there was no support to them. The downstairs was removed and no support put in place. They had been removed some 30 years ago and no support was ever put in place - so we got rid of them and some huge steels have gone up to support them in the loft (its a semi detached).

Pic of the floor in the below link:

https://twitter.com/payrollexcel/status/1059178165053075456?s=21

EachPenny

aj9648 wrote: »

That's why we got rid of the breasts - there was no support to them. The downstairs was removed and no support put in place. They had been removed some 30 years ago and no support was ever put in place - so we got rid of them and some huge steels have gone up to support them in the loft (its a semi detached).

So essentially all that mess is supported by nothing other than the plasterboard on the ceiling below? :eek:

It should go without saying that standing on it would be a very unwise idea!

I would remove all the loose material and then make good with timber. That means either floorboards or flooring grade chipboard supported by appropriately sized timber (something like 6"x2") which is securely attached to the wall and existing joists.

One of the considerations is that you will want the finished surface of the repair to be at the same level as the existing floor, so if you cannot match the thickness of the existing floorboards then you may be best off setting the timber supports at the right level to suit the thickness of the boards you actually use.

If you have any doubts then seek professional advice.

aj9648

EachPenny wrote: »

So essentially all that mess is supported by nothing other than the plasterboard on the ceiling below? :eek:

It should go without saying that standing on it would be a very unwise idea!

I would remove all the loose material and then make good with timber. That means either floorboards or flooring grade chipboard supported by appropriately sized timber (something like 6"x2") which is securely attached to the wall and existing joists.

One of the considerations is that you will want the finished surface of the repair to be at the same level as the existing floor, so if you cannot match the thickness of the existing floorboards then you may be best off setting the timber supports at the right level to suit the thickness of the boards you actually use.

If you have any doubts then seek professional advice.

Yes that is correct - The breasts were floating in the air when we removed the cupboards.....a lesson learnt for us as we did not check building regs and notices.

I will get the builder to have a look.

Thanks

konark

aj9648 wrote: »

Yes that is correct - The breasts were floating in the air when we removed the cupboards.....a lesson learnt for us as we did not check building regs and notices.

I will get the builder to have a look.

Thanks

Is that the same builder that left that appalling mess?