How to Dismantle a Chimney: Full Guide for UK Homeowners
- Yasin Yüksel
- Apr 11
- 4 min read
Removing a chimney—whether it’s the stack, the breast, or both—is a big decision during a renovation. It can free up floor space, improve layout, and modernise your home, but it also involves structural considerations and legal compliance.
In this in-depth guide, we explain how to dismantle a chimney, what permissions you may need, the costs involved, and how to do it safely—especially if you're thinking of taking on parts of the project yourself.
Contents
Why Remove a Chimney?
There are many reasons homeowners choose chimney breast removal or full chimney removal:
Maximise internal space, especially in rooms like living areas or bedrooms
Eliminate damp issues or cold bridging from an unused chimney
Open up walls for a more flexible or open-plan layout
Improve insulation and energy efficiency
Create cleaner ceiling lines and remove dated brickwork
Simplify heating systems (especially in flats or smaller homes)
Do You Need Permission to Remove a Chimney in the UK?
✅ Planning Permission
In most cases, you do not need planning permission for internal chimney breast removal in a house. However, planning rules apply if:
Your property is listed or in a conservation area
The chimney stack is visible from the street and affects external appearance
You live in a flat (where freeholder consent is often required)
✅ Building Regulations
You must comply with Building Regulations, including:
Structural support if you're removing a load-bearing chimney breast
Ventilation if the fireplace served a gas appliance
Proper fire protection between floors
✅ Party Wall Agreement
If you live in a semi-detached or terraced house, and the chimney is on a shared (party) wall, you’ll need to:
Serve a Party Wall Notice
Get written consent from your neighbour
How to Dismantle a Chimney (Step-by-Step)
1. Structural Assessment
Before anything is removed, a structural engineer should confirm whether the chimney breast or stack supports walls or floors above.
Related keyword: can you remove a chimney breast / how to take a chimney breast out
2. Isolate Chimney Flues
If the chimney was used for gas appliances or open fires, ensure the flue is properly sealed and disconnected.
3. Scaffold and Dust Protection
Use scaffolding for any roof-level work
Internally, seal work areas and protect furniture
4. Remove the Chimney Stack (if full removal)
Work from top to bottom, carefully dismantling bricks by hand. Never try to remove a stack from inside the loft or below—it’s dangerous.
Related keyword: taking down a chimney stack
5. Remove Internal Chimney Breast
Work floor by floor, starting at the top (loft) and moving downward. Use hand tools to minimise damage to adjacent structures.
Related keyword: removing chimney breast downstairs only
6. Install Chimney Breast Support Beam
If the chimney stack is left in place but the breast is removed, a steel beam (RSJ or gallows bracket) must be installed to carry the load.
Related keyword: chimney breast support beam
7. Make Good
Patch walls, replace skirting, reinstate floors and ceilings, then redecorate.
Types of Chimney Removal
There are several types of chimney removal depending on your needs and budget:
Type | Includes | Structural Work? | Cost Estimate |
Chimney breast removal only | Ground floor or 1st floor internal breast | Yes | £1,500 – £3,000 |
Chimney stack removal only | Roof-level stack | Sometimes | £1,000 – £2,500 |
Full chimney removal | Stack + all internal chimney breasts | Yes | £4,000 – £6,500 |
Chimney Breast Support Beam
Removing just the chimney breast means the brickwork above still needs support. Your structural engineer might recommend:
Steel RSJ running wall to wall
Gallows brackets (if the stack is small and supported by two walls)
Padstones and lintels to distribute weight
This work must be signed off by Building Control, and you should get drawings or calculations from your engineer.
Chimney Removal Costs
Related keywords: chimney breast removal cost, chimney stack removal cost, chimney demolition cost
Here’s a breakdown of estimated UK chimney removal prices:
Job Type | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
Chimney breast (1 floor) | £1,500 | £3,000 |
Full chimney breast (2 floors) | £3,500 | £5,500 |
Chimney stack only | £1,000 | £2,500 |
Full chimney (stack + breast) | £4,000 | £6,500 |
Support beam installation | £800 | £1,500 |
Factors affecting cost:
Property type (terraced, semi, flat)
Access to chimney stack
Number of floors
Structural complexity
Party wall agreement requirements
FAQs
🔹 How much does it cost to remove a chimney breast?
Typical costs range from £1,500 to £5,500, depending on size, number of floors, and structural work required.
🔹 Do I need planning permission to remove a chimney?
Usually no—but yes if you're in a listed building, conservation area, or altering the roofline.
🔹 Can I dismantle a chimney myself?
You can attempt non-structural removal, but for anything involving the structure or shared walls, use professionals and follow regulations.
Related keyword: DIY chimney removal
🔹 Do I need a structural engineer?
Yes—especially if removing any part of a chimney breast that supports the stack or masonry above.
🔹 Can you take out a chimney breast in a flat?
Yes, but you’ll need freeholder approval and likely party wall agreements. It can be more complex than in a house.
Conclusion
Knowing how to dismantle a chimney properly involves much more than knocking bricks loose. Whether you’re just removing the chimney breast or planning a full removal, ensure your project follows building regulations, includes structural assessments, and complies with party wall rules.
If you're planning a chimney removal as part of a bigger project—like a loft conversion, kitchen extension, or home refurbishment—contact our team at LACD for expert support across London and the Southeast.
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