Shared chimney with neighbour

lancslass70

I share a chimney with my neighbours. Our houses are semi detached. They had a full new roof done some years ago. Since then I've been getting leaks into my front bedroom on the chimney breast. I don't know if it's because of their roof but over the years I've had repairs done on my side and they have stopped the leaks but always returned when it's heavy rain. Happened again over Christmas. Had a roofer out and he said the bricks are knackered and are just soaking up the water. He said best thing to do is remove the chimney completely. I've spoken to my neighbour and she said they had the same problem and got a new roof and the roofer sealed their side of the chimney not all of it. I didn't know they were having a new roof until I returned home and saw the scaffolding and vans there. I'm still waiting to see if they'll agree to a removal. What happens when you share a chimney and do I pay for it all or would they be obliged to pay some? Hope anyone can help. Much appreciated!

Beeblebr0x

Why not seal (whatever that means) your side of the chimney and, most importantly, make sure the lead flashing has been installed properly around the entire base of the chimney? My roof is 90 years old and I've never had problems with leaks since the flashing was replaced.

Chickereeeee

It might be useful to know what the 'repairs' were that you have had done, but only work temporarily!

But anyhow, rain can get it by (with cure method):

- broken/incorrect flashing - repair flashing
- uncovered chimney pots - get chimney cap installed
- cracked/eroded/missing haunching - repair haunching
- spalling bricks -  replace bricks or (possibly) seal old bricks, or remove chimney stack

Sealing/waterproofing bricks is 'controversial' here, with some calling it snake oil. I have no idea, but I imagine it is not a permanent fix.

As roofer says it is the bricks, it is probably best to remove the stack. As the neighbours have probably paid extra to have their side treated and flashing replaced, they may be reluctant to pay to have it removed. And there is no obligation on them to do so.

Mr.Generous

I had an issue with this on an old terrace rental house, I was going to ask neighbour to go 50:50 until I got a quote, something like £650 to remove chimney and make good with new slate. When the back yard wall was falling down next door paid without asking for a contribution, so it was only fair I coughed up for the roof. They did the job in about 6 hours, most of the cost was labour although they did use a skip. Bargain price job for sure.