Chimney Breast Removal

Most older houses were designed and constructed with fireplaces and chimneys as a means of providing heat. These days however, central heating has replaced the need for fireplaces and the chimney breast is now seen as wasted floor space in the room.

Many people now see the removal of a chimney breast as an opportunity to improve and extend their living space. Especially in the city where accommodation can be small and additional space is essential, removing a chimney breast can be a means or acquiring extra essential space.

Although in many peoples eyes, fireplaces can have cosmetic appeal and can provide a focal point in the room, the removal of a fireplace can increase the size of a room and many rooms in a house dramatically.

Removing a chimney breast and fireplace however can be quite a big job and should only be undertaken by those with the experience and correct knowledge. Upper floors, walls and sometimes the roof of a house are supported partly by the ground floor internal walls and so removing these walls often requires the installation of steel beams or gallow brackets to support the structure.

If not done properly, the removal of these walls could lead to structural distress or damage or even collapse of the building.

Considerations when removing a chimney breast

• If a ground floor chimney breast is removed and suitable beams are not provided to carry is weight, the resulting load could eventually pull the wall over.
• The chimney is part of the structure of the house and its removal should be carefully considered before any work on removing the chimney breast is carried out.
• The work must comply with the Building Regulations 2010 regarding Chimney breast removal. A submission is required.
• Where the chimney is part of the party wall between two properties, the Party Wall etc Act 1996 places certain burdens on the person intending to carry out the work.

Chimney Stack or Chimney breast removal is therefore quite a large undertaking and should only be undertaken by expert builders. We have carried out chimney breast removals for over 35 years and so our expertise and experience in the field is second to none.

Call us now on 0207 195 2750 or fill in the contact form to the right and we can talk you through what will be involved in removing your chimney stack leaving you with significantly more space in your property.