How do we check if a chimney has been properly removed.

Dangerous chimney removal

We inspected a situation recently where the chimney had been removed on the ground floor of a family home, with no signs of support visible for the rest of the chimney.

Turns out it was just resting on the floor joists of the first floor. Goes without saying this is highly inappropriate (to say the least).

A structural inspection later and we had all the facts to proceed under Local Authority Building Control regulations to put things right.

To start we support the chimney with mini props from the first floor (bedroom) while we worked above in the loft.

We then install padstones and steels (specified by the structural engineer) in the loft area. Don’t get get me wrong this is a very messy procedure so its important that the rest of the house is sheeted of and protected.

Once supports are in place we proceed to take out everything below the support system, literally brick by brick removed and handballed down to the skip area.

Continue the process from the loft to bedroom floor and then make good at the end like we were never there.

If your going to do it, do it properly.