In this blog, I will aim to answer the question regarding one of the most common types of works that our customers undertake to their properties and whether they require to serve party wall agreement and Party Wall Notices.
Chimney breast removal is covered under the party wall etc act 1996 under Section 2(2). As such, the party wall agreement requires you to serve a Party Wall Notices if you are undertaking this work to your property. However, whilst it is notifiable, the question regarding whether you must serve a party wall notice would first of all depend on the type of property you live in. The requirement would only be if you are removing a chimney breast in a property that is “adjoining” another, for example, semi-detached properties. If you live in a detached house for instance, you would not be required to serve a Section 2(2) party wall notice as there aren’t any building owner or adjoining owner who require protection from your works.
Would I require a steel beam or gallows brackets?
Now that we have clarified whether a notice must be served Party Wall Notices, let’s answer how you would ensure there is appropriate support for your remaining chimney stack if let’s say you want to remove a chimney breast from your first floor room.
Both steel beams and gallows brackets are common and acceptable methods of providing support to a stack, however, the choice would depend on a number of factors and we always advise to consult a structural engineer who would help to make this determination for you.
Gallows brackets are triangular, right angled units that come in pairs. They are used to provide support to a chimney stack to prevent it collapsing. They are usually made from either steel or iron and have a metal plate between them to provide support as well as resin anchored bolts.
They are used in instances when a steel beam is not used and are purchased from builders merchants.
There are instances when a gallows bracket is not suitable and an RSJ should be used instead. For example, if the bricks and mortar of the party wall are in a poor condition then gallows brackets should be avoided. If the chimney stack projects more than 150% than the supporting boundary wall or 340mm then an RSJ is preferred.
Lastly, as mentioned this should always be consulted with a structural engineer for a party structure notice. Chimney breast removal also require building regs approval which must be dealt with your local council yourself directly.
As always, our party wall surveyor are happy to speak with you regarding your works, planning permission, party wall award, party wall agreement, party fence wall, party wall notice, party wall act and advise.
