Can you remove a chimney breast downstairs but not upstairs? Considering removing your chimney breast downstairs only? Not only is this totally possible, but it's also extremely common. If you're removing a chimney breast downstairs only, then anything above it, including the stack, will have to be supported.
``The only way to remove a lower floor chimney breast is to install a steel beam to support the upper chimney, remove brick work below the beam and make good this gives you a lot more space in the room, approx cost £1200.
Partial Chimney Removal:
With a partial chimney removal, you will only be removing the chimney stack. This is a lot less work because you only have to demo the chimney stack down to the roofline and then patch the roof.
Are chimney breasts load-bearing? Yes, chimney breasts are load-bearing structures that run through the ground floor of your house, through the floors above, through the loft and into the chimney stack situated on the roof.
A chimney breast is a structural alteration. If your chimney breast is real you need to get in touch with a structural engineer. A real chimney breast is likely to have been constructed at the same time as the house, thus support beams may need to be added to support the masonry above.
Removing a fireplace can impact home value depending on location and market demand. In areas where fireplaces are desirable, removing one might decrease the property's value. However, in markets where fireplaces are less important, removing one may not affect the value significantly.
For those looking to remove a chimney breast, it's important to remember there are regulations to consider during the renovation process, even if yours isn't in use. An internal chimney breast can be removed at ground and/or first floor without having to remove the external stack.
Upstairs Fireplaces
In most cases these fireplaces share one chimney, but use their own separate flue to exhaust smoke and byproducts. This type of setup is totally normal and nothing to be alarmed about, however, there are some unique issues that can arise for homeowners with fireplaces on two floors.
You'll need Building Regulation approval to remove a chimney breast. Once you have a final plan from your structural designer, you can use this to submit an application to your local Building Control. Usually, this won't cause any problems, especially if you've got the help of an experienced structural engineer.
Removal of a chimney breast is no small task. It needs serious thought and planning but does offer big improvements as a result.
This will cost around £800. A structural engineer can advise you on how best to support your chimney stack after the chimney breast is removed. They cost roughly £200 an hour to hire.
What we actually mean is if you want to block the chimney at the top, you must leave an air gap at the bottom i.e. at the fireplace level. If you block it completely at the fireplace level, you must leave an air gap at the top where the flue terminates. But you you should never block at both the top and the bottom.
Regardless of whether their chimney is used or not, if it is shared then you will usually need your neighbour's agreement. You cannot remove a shared chimney breast without their written consent.
Yes, it is generally a good idea to remove an old chimney. An unused chimney can cause serious problems, including heat loss, roof leaks, and wasted space in the home. Even in-use chimneys are only sometimes the best option as a primary heating source.
This rule means that your chimney's shortest side needs to be at least 3 feet above the roof penetration, and its top has to be 2 feet higher than any part of the building that's within 10 feet. There a number of reasons behind this rule.
The short answer is no. Or yes. Or no, depending on the house design, heating system(s), and ambiance you're going for. If the house design includes a fireplace, you may — or may not — need a chimney.
You may opt for just a partial chimney removal or a full demolition, so the type of chimney removal can impact the final cost.
It typically costs around £2,300 to remove a chimney stack in the capital. If you want to remove the chimney breast too then that works out around £1000 more expensive, attracting a cost of anything between £3,000 up to £3,500.
Removing a chimney breast is an extremely difficult and messy job, creating a whole lot of dust and debris. As well as this, chimney breasts are often loadbearing and so removing them must be done in a specific manner to prevent the structural integrity of the property from being compromised.
In most cases, chimneys in modern homes are not load-bearing. However, in older homes or specific designs, a chimney can play a structural role. If you're thinking of removing or altering a chimney, consult a professional to ensure your home's safety.
Local bans on wood burning are becoming more common in areas where air pollution is a concern. If your area has instituted restrictions or an all-out ban on using wood-burning fireplaces, it makes little sense to hold on to one.
According to the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers, a fireplace can increase the resale value of your home by 6-12%.
So, since you are planning to add a fireplace back in your living room I'd recommend simply getting a large art piece for that wall to help fill up the void but also help putting the living room together and look complete the look for the time being.