
Party Wall – Shared Chimneys
Shared Chimney Stacks & Removing Chimney Breasts
What are Chimney Stacks?
Rights and Responsibilities of Neighbours
When two properties share a chimney stack, the two owners are equally responsible for its upkeep.
The United Kingdom’s Party Wall Act of 1996 exists to protect the types of shared structural features—like chimney stacks—that are common in older homes. The law obligates homeowners to notify the neighbours whose shared features will be affected by any planned renovation. If the neighbour is not informed, the neighbour can sue, and the homeowner can be fined.
Removing or Repairing a Shared Chimney Stack in Party Wall
Inform Your Neighbour
Instruct a Surveyor and Builder
Structural Integrity
Debris and Damp
In the case of a shared chimney stack being removed, common problems are dampness occurring and debris falling into next door. In general, these problems can be easily fixed by treating the damp areas and sealing any newly exposed masonry.
One means of eliminating these difficulties will be to build some sort of barrier to keep any falling debris from landing in the adjacent roof void.
Loft Conversions and their Impact on the Roof
Party Wall Award
In case you wish to remove the chimney stack or increase the height of the stack your neighbours share with you, then a party wall agreement is required. This document primarily serves two purposes. One, it gives you the opportunity to explain your plans to your neighbours in some detail. Two, it allows both parties to outline their respective rights and makes it clear what happens if damage occurs to the property of the other party as a result of the work being done.
Taking down or mending your common chimney stack is no easy task. There are many legal, relational, and even structural considerations that make professional help a necessity if you want to get through the project without issues. Furthermore, as a result of modern alternatives like stainless steel flue systems you can still enjoy an open fire and the warm ambiance it creates, even if you choose to forego a traditional chimney.
Questions
Do I need a party wall agreement to remove a shared chimney stack?
Am I able to take down the side of a party chimney that I share with my neighbour without their permission?
What risks are involved in removing a shared chimney stack?
If a chimney stack has been taken away, what else can I put in its place?
How often should the chimney stack be surveyed?
Contact Us About Your Party Wall Shared Chimney Stack
Deciding whether to remove or repair a shared chimney stack is a critical matter with numerous complex facets to consider. You will need to ascertain the physical condition of the chimney and whether its condition merits removal or repair. Following that, you’ll want to consider how to interpret the relevant sections of the Act that governs your work. Finally, you’ll want to involve your Manchester party wall surveyor in this process to ensure a smooth navigation of the necessary legal waters.

Surveys of Commercial Property
If you’re thinking of acquiring, leasing, subletting, disposing of, or altering commercial premises in Manchester, you would be well advised to locate a surveyor skilled in the nuances of commercial building surveying – should you spot a defect in a commercial building you can use that information to negotiate an asking price for the property that’s considerably lower than what the seller originally wanted, or you can talk your way out of a bad deal altogether.
Our Manchester-based team of RICS-compliant commercial building surveyors is equipped to handle matters throughout Manchester.
Contact
Our team prioritizes client care above all else. We look forward to being in touch with you so you can instruct a surveyor in Manchester, London, Bristol, Birmingham or Cardiff. You can reach out to us easily. Just fill out our form, and we’ll get back to you with a free quote for your survey. All our surveyors are qualified as members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and we are one of the UK’s leading providers of building survey and valuation services:
- Accredited Professionals: Certified by organizations like RICS, CIOB, and RPSA.
- Customized Survey Reports: inspections to meet your specific requirements.
- Local Expertise: Deep understanding and specialized knowledge.
- Expert Guidance: Professional recommendations and support.
The property survey you commission will be carried out by an accredited professional. Your chartered surveyor will be a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), or will belong to some other industry-standard professional body. Rest assured; you will receive highest quality of professional service for your survey.