Where is the chimney breast?

A chimney breast is a portion of a chimney which projects forward from a wall to accommodate a fireplace. Typically on the ground floor of a structure, the masonry extends upwards, containing a flue which carries smoke out of the building through a chimney stack.

What is the breast of a chimney?

The chimney breast wall is the material surrounding your fireplace inside your home. It is typically made of concrete or brickwork and is an integral part of the fireplace/chimney system if it serves to house the flue.

Where are chimneys usually located?

They are generally located adjacent to a steam-generating boiler or industrial furnace and the gases are carried to them with ductwork. Today the use of reinforced concrete has almost entirely replaced brick as a structural component in the construction of industrial chimneys.

Can you knock through a chimney breast?

It is possible to take out a chimney breast, but bear in mind the fact that this is not a quick DIY job you can do yourself. When you take out a chimney breast, you are also removing an important load-bearing wall.

Why is it called a chimney breast?

Fireplaces generally require more depth than can be provided in the thickness of the wall, and therefore necessitate a projection to contain the fireplace and flues, called the "chimney breast."

Using Gallows Brackets to Safely Remove a Chimney Breast

What is the space on either side of fireplace called?

Chimney Breast – a portion of a chimney that projects forwards from a wall to accommodate a fireplace. Chimney Jambs – Also project from the wall on either side of the fireplace to support the chimney breast. Hearth – This is the floor or ledge of the fireplace that usually extends into the room.

Do I need permission to remove chimney breast?

Planning permission is not normally required to remove a chimney stack or a chimney breast from a dwelling as long as it is not a listed building or located within a Conservation Area and any repairs/infilling to the roof is done using materials which match those already used on the property.

Is it worth removing chimney breast?

For older homes, chimney breasts are often classed as desirable features. They offer a traditional and cosy feel that's attractive to many homebuyers. Therefore, if you remove your chimney, you're likely to remove what many consider an asset. This will result in your home's value decreasing.

Do you need Neighbours permission to remove chimney breast?

If the chimney breast is attached to a wall between your home and another building you'll need to serve a Party Wall Notice on your neighbour before work can commence. Any gas, plumbing or electrical appliances and services need to be isolated and changed/removed before you begin.

Does every house have a chimney?

Chimneys are most common in homes built before 1900, while fireplaces experienced a bump in popularity in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. Not all fireplaces need a chimney. As Trulia chief economist Jed Kolko pointed out, fireplaces in newer homes often will vent without a chimney.

Do all chimneys have a fireplace?

Even if you don't have a fireplace, other appliances make use of chimneys to vent fumes from combustion. These devices must have a safe way to ventilate gas, smoke, and other debris. The chimney can be used by heaters such as: Furnaces.

How are chimneys attached to house?

A common and cheaper temporary fix that could have been done to hold the chimney in place is to fill the gap between the leaning chimney and main house structure with mortar or some type of caulking or expanding foam insulation. The chimney could also be fastened into place with metal straps.

How do you open a chimney breast?

Break out a plasterboard sheet, using a club hammer, or use a padsaw or jigsaw to cut around the edge of a timber board. Unscrew or lever off any supporting battens. If the fireplace has been filled in with bricks, start from the vent and slowly knock out a few at a time with a club hammer and bolster chisel.

How big is a chimney breast?

Generally the measurement is 36” x 36”, requiring an insert or back panel of min. 37” x 37”. The rebate on most units is 3”, but may be less or greater in a minority of designs.

How do you know if a chimney is load bearing?

How To Tell If A Fireplace Is Load-Bearing. A general rule of thumb to see if a wall – or fireplace – is load-bearing is to check how it aligns with floor joists. If the wall runs parallel to the joists, it is less likely to be load-bearing.

Do I need a structural engineer to remove a chimney breast?

NB You are always likely to require the services of a Structural Engineer if you intend on removing the chimney and breast. If you don't get an expert involved, you risk serious structural degradation to your property which might result in the building collapsing which carries the risk of death.

Is a chimney breast a party wall?

If the chimney stack is on a shared or party wall you will need a party wall agreement. If you are doing any work on a party wall (and removing a chimney breast from a party wall is quite major structural work) you must follow the procedures laid out in the Party Wall etc Act.

What supports a chimney breast?

The lintel holds the roof space chimney breast in position. A photograph of such a traditional support arrangement, which provides adequate structural stability, is seen beneath.

How much does it cost to remove a chimney stack UK?

The cost of chimney stack removal usually varies between £950 – £1200. There are many different factors to take into account, such as the size of the chimney stack, is scaffolding required and what part of the country you live in. Labour costs for two qualified roofers would be in the range of £250 -£300 per day.

Who is responsible for shared chimney?

And the answer is simple: if the chimney is on the party wall, then the party wall act applies. This is usually the case, because at least one side of the flue is usually on the party wall, and, in some cases, the chimney itself can overlap and become shared in the loft spaces of the two properties.

Can I put a TV on a chimney breast above a log burner?

Installing a TV directly above a wood stove isn't typically recommended, but if a TV will be sufficiently protected from the heat of a wood stove it may be suitable. TVs should be placed outside of clearance distances to combustibles, and a mantel can help protect a TV from the heat.

Is it OK to put TV over fireplace?

It's not advisable to mount a TV above a fireplace because excess heat and electronics don't mix. The area above the fireplace is often warmer than other wall surfaces in your home. Consider this: A gas fireplace can generate 20,000 to 35,000 British thermal units (BTUs) of heat per hour.

Can you drill into a chimney?

don't drill into the chimney masonry without knowing if you are drilling into a joint. If you drill and drive a fastner into a joint you can crack the joint, causing a gap all the way to the inside of the chimney. Hot flue gasses can then escape.