Chimney breast removal in the loft

Maxim1234

Hi all

I seen some great advice on these forums so wondering if anyone can offer some here. We're in the middle of buying a house that has had the chimney breast removed, and the support in the loft has been flagged as a potential issue. From what I understand, it will cost around £2k to get this 'fixed', and we're looking at getting a structural engineer to assess how dangerous this is. But to put my mind at ease (or not), can anyone offer some opinions on whether or not this is dangerous...

tacpot12

It is difficlt to tell how much support there is on the left for the timber member that is supporting the chimney stack. If it just the two half bricks at the far left hand end, then this is pretty unsafe. If there is more support under the timber, then it is safer, until the timber rots. I'm also not sure if supporting the timber member on the purlin is a good idea, but the purlin looks extremely strong.  

I think a review by a structural engineer would be sensible.  

Section62

Maxim1234 said:

Hi all

I seen some great advice on these forums so wondering if anyone can offer some here. We're in the middle of buying a house that has had the chimney breast removed, and the support in the loft has been flagged as a potential issue. From what I understand, it will cost around £2k to get this 'fixed', and we're looking at getting a structural engineer to assess how dangerous this is. But to put my mind at ease (or not), can anyone offer some opinions on whether or not this is dangerous...

I'd be involving a structural engineer before proceeding with the purchase.

I think they have inserted a steel (not timber) beam.

The bearing on the left is minimal, and because of the sloping brickwork the support appears to be reliant on the strength of two joints with quarter-brick bonding, or on the vertical shear strength of two bricks. That isn't a lot.

On the right-hand end it appears the beam is welded onto a steel bearing plate - which might imply professional input, but then this is bearing onto the purlin in a manner purlins are not designed to take.  It isn't clear, but it is possible they have doubled up the purlin to deal with the additional load.

But there is nothing visible which prevents the purlin deflecting down and to the right, other than the connection to the steel beam.


It could be safe, or it could be dangerous.  Which is why it needs a close up inspection by a qualified SE.

I'd also get someone to take a look at the polystyrene insulation used between the rafters.  Particularly whether it has any fire resistance.

dimbo61

Do you want or need the chimney stack.
I take it the chimney breast has been removed in the bedroom and room below ?
Is this a detached house or do you have an adjoining property !

stuart45

Am guessing it's on your party wall. 
Are there 2 flues on the left still in use?