Why stacks are sensitive
- Your neighbour's flues may run through the same stack.
- Taking down part of a stack can leave their side open to the weather.
- A stack bears down through the breasts below; removing those breasts without proper support is dangerous.
What the Act expects
When a party structure is raised or rebuilt, the Act expects the neighbour's flues and chimney stacks to be carried up as needed, to a height and in materials agreed between the owners or settled by the surveyors. Where work exposes a party wall, it must be properly weathered.
Things to agree before work starts
- Which flues are in use, and whether any belong to next door
- How the remaining stack, or the neighbour's half of it, will be capped and weathered
- Scaffolding and access, which may involve their roof
Removing the breasts as well
If you are also taking out chimney breasts below, see chimney breast removal. Building regulations approval is needed for the structural support.
Common questions
Can I take down my half of a shared stack?
Only by following the Act, and only in a way that leaves your neighbour's half stable and weathertight.
Where this comes from in the Act
Links go to the official text of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 on legislation.gov.uk.