Can a downstairs chimney breast be removed?
An internal chimney breast can be removed at ground and/or first floor without having to remove the external stack. No only does this mean it is actually not as disruptive as you might have thought, but it also avoids the need to alter the roof or external appearance and character of the building.
What is chimney breast?
The chimney breast wall is the material surrounding your fireplace inside your home. Homeowners look into having the breast wall removed to free up more living space. Chimney breast walls can be quite large and intrusive, taking up a lot of square footage that could be put to better use.
Where is the chimney breast?
False chimney breasts Usually, additional cosmetic features will be added such as cosmetic beams, overmantels or fireplace surrounds.
Are gallows brackets allowed?
with Gallows Brackets The use of Gallows Brackets is NOT permitted on a Party Wall if the chimney on the other side of the wall has previously been removed and is supported on Gallows Brackets.
How do you make a simple wooden shelf bracket?
Instructions
- Cut a 2″ x 2″ board to 7.5″.
- Cut a second piece to 6″.
- Use a miter saw to cut the 1″x2″ board to 5.5″ long, with a 45-degree angle at each side to form a trapezoid.
- Sand any rough edges.
- Use wood glue and finishing nails to connect the three pieces to form the shelf bracket.
Are chimney breasts load-bearing?
When you take out a chimney breast, you are also removing an important load-bearing wall. Because of this, you will need to ensure the structural integrity of your building isn’t put at risk – which means you need expert guidance and approval from your council to be certain the job is done safely.
Can you use gallows brackets on a chimney breast?
If they have been removed and gallows brackets chimney support have been used, then the use of gallows brackets will not be acceptable. The thickness of the party wall between the chimney breasts should be at least 215mm thick in order to be strong enough to support the gallows brackets and remaining chimney breast and chimney stack.
What is a gallows bracket used for?
Gallows Brackets. A steel gallows bracket is triangular frame used in pairs and bolted to the party wall, with a precast concrete lintel used as chimney support. Whether gallows brackets chimney support provide adequate support for a chimney stack when chimney breasts below are removed will depend on a number of factors:
How thick should the party wall be between the chimney breasts?
The thickness of the party wall between the chimney breasts should be at least 215mm thick in order to be strong enough to support the gallows brackets and remaining chimney breast and chimney stack.
What is a bracket chimney in a house?
Inspectors of older homes may find a bracket chimney in the building attic, with no masonry extending to the floors below. Instead, a wood stove or coal stove on lower floors used a metal chimney which passed up through the ceiling above and into the bracket chimney supported on a wood shelf in the attic.