Chimneys

Chimney stacks are exposed to the weather and need periodic maintenance to prevent penetrating damp, structural instability and potential collapse.

Firstly, assess the verticality of the chimney. If it appears to be curving or leaning to any degree or you can see cracking, you should seek the advice of a Chartered Building Surveyor.

Any cracked or worn pointing between bricks should be raked out and repointed. Cracked render or pebbledash should be carefully removed and replaced.

Obsolete chimney flues should be capped to prevent rainwater penetrating at the top and running down the inside of the flue walls. They should also be ventilated at the top and bottom. Ventilation is necessary to prevent condensation occurring inside the flue, which is another common cause dampness inside buildings.

If a chimney is no longer used, you could consider removal. Planning permission is not normally required, except in the case of a Listed Building, if the building is in a Conservation Area or subject to specific planning restrictions. If the chimney is a party (shared) structure you will obviously need to speak to and obtain your neighbours agreement to the work. You will need to serve them with notice under the Party Wall etc, Act 1996. For further advice on chimney defects and dampness and assistance with Party Wall matters contact Woodward Chartered Surveyors by clicking here.

Woodward Chartered Surveyors cover an area from East of Oxford, High Wycombe, Beaconsfield, Amersham, Berkhamsted, Watford, Rickmansworth and into London, Northwood, Uxbridge, Harrow, Ealing and Mayfair.