Service

Chimney Removals

Structural design and assessment for removing chimney breasts, chimney stacks and associated masonry, whether in part or in full.

Removing a chimney breast or stack changes how loads are carried through the structure. Wherever masonry remains above the area being removed, it must be supported so that weight is safely transferred down to the surrounding walls or floor. We design the appropriate solution, which may use gallows brackets bolted to the retained chimney breast or a steel beam spanning the opening, depending on the loads and the position within the building.

Each scheme begins with an assessment of the existing construction to confirm how the chimney is supported and what will be affected by its removal. We then set out the load transfer and support arrangements, together with any strengthening works needed to neighbouring masonry.

Removing a chimney breast or stack is structural work and requires Building Control approval, for which we provide suitable information. Where the chimney sits on a party or shared wall, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may also apply and notice may need to be served on the adjoining owner.

Key points

Partial or complete chimney removal
Load transfer and support solutions
Gallows brackets or steel beam support
Strengthening works where required
Information for Building Control approval
Party Wall guidance where shared walls affected

When you need this

This service is needed when you plan to remove a chimney breast or stack to free up floor space, simplify a layout or address a redundant flue. It applies whether you are removing part of the chimney at a single level or taking out the full run from base to roof.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't a chimney breast simply be knocked out?

The masonry above a chimney breast carries weight and must be properly supported once the breast below is removed. We design a support arrangement, often using gallows brackets or a steel beam, so the remaining structure stays stable.

Do I need Building Control approval?

Yes. Removing a chimney breast or stack is structural work and requires Building Control approval. We provide information suitable for that process.

Does the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 apply?

It may. Where a chimney is built on a party or shared wall, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 can apply, and you may need to serve notice on the adjoining owner.

Can you support removal on upper floors only?

Yes. We design support arrangements that allow a chimney breast to be removed at a lower level while the masonry above is retained, or for partial removal at any level.

What affects the design solution?

The position of the chimney, how much is being removed and the loads carried above all influence whether gallows brackets or beams are used and what strengthening is required.