Can you use gallows brackets to support a chimney?
Gallows Brackets are used as a form of support to withstand the remaining load of the Chimney Stack or Chimney Breast above once the Breast below has been removed.
Can you still use gallows brackets?
Gallows brackets should only be used if… The stack is not completely vertical (i.e. a gathered flue to a central stack). The neighbours’ chimney breast on the other side of the party wall has not been removed (or partly removed). For wider chimney breasts a structural engineer should be consulted.
What is a bracket chimney?
A bracket chimney is an incomplete masonry chimney, usually made of brick, that does not and perhaps never extended all the way down to a footing and foundation at ground level.
When can gallows brackets be used?
When Gallows Brackets are used They’re suitable when a neighbours’ chimney breast on the other side of the party wall hasn’t been taken out or is only partially removed, and when the party wall supporting the gallows bracket is a minimum of 215mm thick, in brickwork, and in good condition.
Are chimney breasts load bearing?
When you take out a chimney breast, you are also removing an important load-bearing wall. Because of this, you will need to ensure the structural integrity of your building isn’t put at risk – which means you need expert guidance and approval from your council to be certain the job is done safely.
Do you 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.
When can you use gallows brackets?
When Gallows Brackets are used It’s practical as long as the maximum width of the chimney breast is less than 1200mm, and for chimneys whose breast sticks out into the room no more than 340mm. It’s also a viable solution when a chimney is no more than two storeys high plus the roof space.