Chimney breast removal

Wes121708

So after consideration we've decided if we're going to get the kitchen we really want we're going to move it into the 2nd reception room. Problem is it has a chimney breast which personal I love but it kind of gets in the way so thinking of getting rid.
We have two chimney breast on in each room but that's it. There aren't any upstairs or in the loft but we have fireplaces in the bedrooms but flat on the wall. The chimney breast stops at first floor and runs inside the wall if that makes sense.
We started exposing the breast and the bricks at the top by the ceiling do not go anywhere they just end. Does this mean we can just remove the whole thing which out having to but a supporting beam in?

Bigphil1474

Based on pics and what you've said, if it was me I'd be taking it down. If you are DIYing, might be worth getting a builder to take a closer look just in case. 

FreeBear

Bigphil1474 said:

Based on pics and what you've said, if it was me I'd be taking it down. If you are DIYing, might be worth getting a builder to take a closer look just in case. 

DIYing or not, the first port of call should be a structural engineer. Whilst a builder may be able to say something is not structural, he/she is unlikely to be sufficiently qualified to make that call. In all probability, you will need to involve Building Control who in turn will want to see an SE report & calculations for any supports required.

Do not trust the opinion of a builder or attempt the work yourself without a qualified assessment - Your home insurance will not cover you if there is a collapse.

Megaross

If I've got what you've said right I wouldn't feel worried about taking the SDS to it and ripping it out.

It would be safer to get in a structural engineer but for my money I've never bothered for this sort of work. Just a damn good look at the brickwork and method of construction. I'd want to expose that from the top to have a look at the join into the wall but other than that crack on.

You'll be forever cleaning up dust and soot mind, it will go everywhere imaginable regardless of what steps you take to stop it permeating other rooms.

stuart45

If that's a thick stone wall, it's quite common for the flue to be taken into the wall. Check for a hearth above. It sounds like support above isn't required, but worth having it checked. 
Is that an external wall?

Wes121708

Thanks all.
Yes it's an external wall and there are hearths above in the rooms but no chimney breast.
We've already taken out some brick work from the opening as it was a look small with a mantel and we were prepared for the mess and taped half the room up which stopped the majority spreading over the house!  This was what we started with.

The stones at the top are already loose and you can see the floor joists in the open gap.

TELLIT01

I wouldn't expect the joists to end over the chimney breast, but I'd still check to make sure.