Chimney breast/fire place

Question

Can I knock a chimney breast/ fire place out myself? And what would I need?

James · Accepted Answer

Yes you can but it is structural so i suggest structural engineer for metalwork to support remaining structure, also is it party wall with next doors attatched is it a bungalow? if its a detatched  no probs you will need acro props, some strong boys a few scaffold planks. building inspector should be involved

Jazz · Answer

In some cases you can remove a chimney breast yourself, but it very much depends on whether it’s structural and which floor levels it runs through.

Most chimney breasts are load bearing, especially on older properties, so removing one usually requires proper support to be installed first, such as a steel beam or gallows brackets. This normally needs calculations and approval from building control. Knocking it out without the correct support can cause serious structural issues.

You would also need to consider dust control, waste removal, making good the surrounding walls and floors, and whether the chimney stack above is still supported correctly.

For ground floor only removals it’s sometimes straightforward, but once it involves upper floors or shared stacks, it’s best dealt with by a professional. At the very least I’d recommend getting proper advice before starting, as it’s one of those jobs where doing it wrong can be expensive to fix.

If you’re unsure, having someone take a look first can save a lot of hassle and cost in the long run.

Gurj · Answer

You can take a chimney breast out yourself but will require building control to over see this and sign it off. 
Firstly appoint a structural engineer, Once drawings and calculations are received you'll have to appoint building control before you start the work. They will make a 2-3 visits throughout the works to ensure its done correctly and safely. \
Once works have been completed, building control will issue you with a certificate. 
Hope this is of help.

Charles · Answer

Yes, but it’s labour-intensive and dusty. You’ll need safety gear (goggles, mask, gloves), sledgehammer, masonry chisel, dust sheets, and a skip for rubble. Check if it’s structural before removing.

Kind regards, CB Builders & Son

Jack · Answer

Normally Chimney Breasts can be a challenge as they can offer structural support to the rooms/walls above. If it is a studded fireplace then you may be ok to do yourself but I would also engage with a Structural Engineer before going near any demolition.

Trevor · Answer

This is a very dangerous job and must be completed correctly 
If the whole chimney from top to bottom then gallows brackets must be fitted in loft and a support steel it is very important that this is not a DIY job unless you know what you are doing if only the bottom chimney is being removed again Structual support must be in place I would strongly advise you seek a builder or surveyor to check the job before anything is started

Russ · Answer

Simply start at the top, otherwise you need to structurally support any level that you wish to remove below.

Richard · Answer

Good afternoon, to take out the fireplace I would recommend starting from the chimney stack removing throughout the flights of floors. failure to do this would cause the top sections to become unstable possibly collapsing.

Mark · Answer

It is possible to knock the chimney down yourself although care has to be taking as the chimney breast has to be taking from the top of the building down each floor to prevent it collapsing .

Anothony · Answer

All how big chimney is if small just need hammer chisel or breaker , if bigger you’ll need across and strong boys to hold chimney above my option best ring a trades person.

Chimney breast/fire place

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