Using Gallows Brackets to Safely Remove a Chimney Breast

Using gallows brackets is one method of safely removing a chimney breast. But before a chimney breast can be removed, a structural engineer needs to visit the property to do a site survey.
The engineer will calculate the thickness of the steel needed for the gallows brackets (dependant on the weight they need to support).
In this video, John explains:
🔵 What a gallows bracket is and how it works;
🔵 How to calculate the size of the gallows brackets in relation to the brickwork they need to support;
🔵 Why resin anchors are a better solution for fixing the brackets; and
🔵 What you need to do once the gallows brackets have been fitted.
ALSO IN THIS VIDEO…
John explains why you need a party wall notice when carrying out building works that will affect your neighbour (such as chimney breast removal) and:
🔵 Why removing a chimney breast reduces the structural integrity of the wall; and
🔵 Why any gaps in the mortar of the party wall should be properly sealed.
This chimney breast removal was carried out as part of a student HMO conversion in Stoke-on-Trent's student quarter.
Gallows brackets are only one method of supporting the remaining chimney stack so that the brickwork beneath can be removed.
We used gallows brackets for this project because the chimney breast was being removed on both floors of the property.
If the chimney breast is being removed on only the downstairs floor, a steel would be a better option as the remaining weight to be supported is much greater.
Need help with removing a chimney breast? Get HYPE!
☎️ Call us on 01782 930043.
#gallowsbrackets #chimney #chimneyremoval
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[@marianewman3187]

Excellent advice 101, simple and easy to follow. Thanks :)

[@HYPEBuilding]

Thank you so much for your kind words, Maria. We truly appreciate you taking the time to watch our video and your great feedback 😀👍

[@azharaltaf4952]

This is the best video I've seen so far on this subject...straight explanation and advice and no cutting corners.Thank you.

[@HYPEBuilding]

We're absolutely delighted to hear you found our content helpful, Azhar. Thank you so much for your great feedback and taking the time to watch our video 😊👍

[@freddiemoses467]

You must be a pretty decent builder. I'm a Building Surveyor and amazed at the amount of builders who know nothing about Party Walls. Either they have no knowledge of it or deliberately skirt around it. Great video.

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi Freddie. Thank you for taking the time to watch our video and for your kind words 😊 Like you, we know the importance of doing the job properly and we're not satisfied until we're certain that people are safe and everything has been passed by Building Control. We genuinely appreciate your feedback, Freddie. Thank you 👍

[@pedrolane8058]

I had a chimney taken out and we employed the exact same approach.Structural engineer, gallows bracket, building control etc.Total piece of mind and no issues when we came to sel.l

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi Pedro. Thanks for your comments. As you say, it makes total sense to do things properly. That way you can have no regrets. Really appreciate you taking the time to watch our video and leave us your thoughts, buddy. Thank you 🙂👌

[@kkj85]

Is it legally required to have planning permission from council for chimney removal. How much structure engineer charge to visit and advise

[@pedrolane8058]

@@kkj85 Building control.I can't recall how much the structural engineer was.He did the calculations for the weight involved and the strength of the steel req.

[@davebrown683]

Is it legally required to have either or both to come. Mine is not a party breast nor a supporting breast.

[@pedrolane8058]

@@davebrown683 Yes as far as I know.

[@unknownuser4717]

So what holds the chimney whilst you put in the bracket

[@taherakhan7044]

Wow. Just by change stumbled over this video and did not realise that not only Building Control will need to be informed but also Party Wall Act has to be in place. Now, the neighbour removed their chimney breast and did not inform me of the Party Wall Act but I know the Council Building Control was out several times. Now what is the result of the Party Wall Act not been in place? What a dilemma.

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi Tahera. Thank you for watching and for your question. The Party Wall Act serves as a mutual agreement between you and your neighbour and is there to document the current condition of the wall on either side. Hence, if your side of the wall should be damaged in any way or suffer damage in the future you can potentially relate it to the works that have been carried out. If works have been carried out and you don't have any issues your side, then there isn't really a problem. However, if there is an issue, you can contact a party wall surveyor and follow their advice. Hope that helps.

[@Phil_AKA_ThundyUK]

With the gallows bracket being in place, and no support underneath, isn't there any internal deflection force effectively pulling the walls inwards?

[@bishalrana7424]

Yes. There is horizontal force to be resolved.

[@Ash-T-Haqq-Vlogs]

Am I right to say that not all terraced houses are single brick. Some are double bricked right?

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi there. Thanks for watching and for your question. Yes, you are right. Some are double-bricked 🙂👍

[@darrenross8676]

Is the video done for the 1 using a steel beam. Is there a link to it thanks

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi Darren. Thanks for watching. We don't have a video for the steel beam yet, as we haven't had cause to use that particular method for a project. We may, however, be doing so in the New Year. If we do, we'll post the link for you, buddy 👍

[@darrenross8676]

Cheers

[@ulsterrich4213]

I’ve been planning on removing the chimney breast since they took out glass front fire and installed gas ( no fire just gas boiler in other room that heats radiator’s and water only ) . Should I brace chimney stack before removing the chimney breast ground and 2nd floor? . Glass front fire and boiler were removed and just blocked up with plasterboard with electric fire and mdf fireplace surround, which is just dead space, removing it would give so much more room in living room and front bedroom. Don’t have anyone next door to me, just my driveway up the side of my gable wall

[@bbar182]

Great video, we are thinking of doing this type of work and you explained it clearly. KUTGW

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hey Bjorn. Thanks for the great feedback. If what we do is informative an helps people out then we're happy 😀 We really appreciate you taking the time to watch the video. Thanks again 👍

[@davidliverpool0373]

Roughly what cost would this type of work be please?

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi David. Unfortunately, it's very difficult to give you a figure with this because there are so many factors involved. The area you're working in, the size of the chimney (and how much needs to be removed), plus how far the skip is away from the doors etc. all play a part in the overall cost. For chimney removal, structural engineer costs, bracket installation, waste removal and labour you're looking at anything between £4,000-£9,000. Hope that helps (a little 🙂) David. Sincere thanks for watching our video and for your question - we truly appreciate it.

[@ChrisLivingInYork]

Excellent video! Do you have any advice where I can find a structural engineer?

[@JohnConnor-dh9il]

Did you leave the brackets exposed or did you install them up into the ceiling?

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi John. Thanks for watching and for your question 🙂👍 The brackets would be above the ceiling height into the loft. Hope that helps.

[@小夕-k7v]

My structure engineer wants us to use the supporting beam , which will cost a lot more. I don’t know should I get a another engineer to check or not ?

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi there. Thanks for watching and for your question. We would always recommend that you follow the advice of your structural engineer - they're the experts in the field. This particular job didn't require a beam as we were only removing part of the chimney. Gallows brackets are sufficient for this type of job, but they're not suitable for every chimney breast removal, especially if you're removing the entire chimney from the ground floor up. Hope that helps, and thanks again for watching 🙂👌

[@simonowen7741]

Stupid question alert!!! How do you remove the brick to fit the supports without everything falling down above?

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi Simon, there's no such thing as a stupid question, so don't worry about that. Basically, it depends on the complexity of the job as to the method we use. The width of the chimney is a factor, as is what's in the roof and the position of purlins etc. With this job, we were able to remove the sides of the chimney to fit the gallows brackets. The front stays in tact because it is still supported. We then use acrow props to support the weight while the steel plate is fitted on top of the brackets. We also use wooden pegs to help support any loose bricks. Hope that helps, Simon. Many thanks for watching and for your question 🙂👍

[@JKhalaf]

Brilliant video. How much does the structural engineer typically charge?

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi there. Thank you for watching and for your kind words 🙂👍 The cost of a structural engineer usually depends on the area. For a project like this, they can be anything from £300 to £600..

[@dannymurphy1779]

That was a clever touch doing the window board plan drawing. Great explanation thanks!

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi Danny. Thanks for watching and for the great feedback. It was a good bit of improvising from the Big Man. Who'd have thought dust could come in useful? 😄

[@liamshawmma]

i have a chimney breast i was hoping to remove and use these brackets but my next door nabour has alredy done this on there side using gallow brackets dose this mean i would be unabel to do on my side also chimney brest gose in to two rooms via a brick wall could i only remove brest from 1 side

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi there. Thank you for your question. If your neighbour has fitted gallows brackets, it could potentially mean that you can't fit them - but it very much depends on how the party wall is constructed. We would recommend that you have a structural engineer assess the situation for you. Many thanks for watching our video - we really appreciate it 🙂👍

[@aarondawkins8668]

Thanks. If you take out the stack right to the roof. Do you need structural calculations?

[@Jo3yW]

What do you think? 🤔

[@jimcameron4672]

Great information

[@HYPEBuilding]

Thanks for watching and for the great feedback, Jim. Truly appreciated 😀👌

[@bradykinin8388]

Do I need a structural engineer if I get the stack removed also ?

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi there. Thank you for your question. It's a really good one 👌 If you're removing the entire chimney from the ground upwards (including the bit above the roof) you wouldn't need a Structural Engineer, because you won't require any steels or gallows brackets to support a remaining part of the chimney. If you're removing part of a chimney, you will need a Structural Engineer to assess the load of the chimney that will remain. They will calculate the size of steel or gallows bracket needed to support that load. In either scenario, you would need a party wall agreement to remove the chimney. Hope that helps. Sincere thanks for watching our video 😊

[@garvielloken3929]

Regarding the party wall notice. Do you just have to let hem know or do you need their consent?

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi Garviel. In a nutshell, you have to let your neighbour know if any invasive work is taking place that will affect their property. If they DO NOT object to the Party Wall Notice, then they are effectively giving their consent. Hope that answers your question. Thanks again for watching 🙂👍

[@garvielloken3929]

@@HYPEBuilding Awesome! Thanks for taking the time tto reply - much appreciated

[@edwardgallagher1386]

One man who knows his shit on youtube

[@davidhayes1950]

could scratch cout the wall with render then dot and dab over it to prevent any co coming through the gaps

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi David. Thanks for your comment. Yes, that's a definite possibility. However, the integrity of the flue liner next door would need to be inspected beforehand. Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave us your thoughts - much appreciated 🙂👍

[@davidhayes1950]

@@HYPEBuilding no worries cheers for the reply

[@HauCherry-c7h]

Hello, I’m buying a property and noticed the owner removed the chimney only on first floor awithout adding any steel support or Gallows bracket. Now if I wanna add the gallows bracket back do I need a building control please ?

[@cbalf15]

Did you buy the property? Please keep us updated with how it worked out for you…

[@sarahbrooks2630]

Excellent advice thank you.

[@HYPEBuilding]

You're most welcome, Sarah. Thank you so much for watching our video and for your kind words - we truly appreciate it 😊👍

[@TejTalks]

Very useful!

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi Tej. Thanks for watching and for the great feedback, buddy. Do you think our content would make a good podcast? 🤔😉😀

[@martinsmith6049]

Couldn't you just use a strongboy and then build a corbel using some of the bricks you've ripped out? The bracket will have some cost, and the bricks are already there.

[@MaryKelly-ji8ve]

Thank you

[@boyking1111]

Do you need building regs permission to remove chimney breast

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi there. Thanks for your question. Yes, you do need to get approval from Building Control before you can start removing the chimney. The usual process involves submitting your request to the local council and waiting 5 days before starting work. Thank you for taking the time to watch our video 🙂👍

[@rickysingh616]

What would it cost to remove a chimney?

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi Ricky. Thanks for your question. A chimney removal project like this can cost anywhere between £4k and £11k. There are many factors involved, including your geographical location, the type of property, the size of the chimney, how many bricks need to be removed etc. Thank you for watching our video - much appreciated 🙂👍

[@rickysingh616]

@@HYPEBuilding thank you for the reply. I was thinking about removing mine in the room and leave it on the roof but now I'm thinking it might be better to slowly chip away the the chimney and remove it from top down. I think I've got a secondary chimney which was blocked off which is strange internally as there's no internal section. Need to confirm it buy dropping a camera down there.

[@HYPEBuilding]

@@rickysingh616 Yes, it's probably better to be safe than sorry by getting a camera down there. If the chimney is shared, make sure you do a party wall agreement 👍

[@jat319]

Brilliant 👍🏽

[@HYPEBuilding]

Thank you so much for the great feedback and for watching our video - we genuinely appreciate it 😀👌

[@TerryTerryTerry]

Party Wall - why don’t you strengthen it by thickening etc?

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi there. Thanks for your question. It's all to do with cost. If we start knocking off plasterboard and moving joists etc. it would cost a fortune. All clients have a budget and aim to maximise profit - so it's up to us to come up with the best and most cost-effective way of doing things. Thank you for watching our video - we really appreciate it 🙂👍

[@kevocos]

Gallows brackets should never be used in this situation (shared chimney) and the SE is negligent it design the use of them here. If the neighbouring property were to alter their chimney in any manner there would be a great risk of the remaining stack collapsing

[@HYPEBuilding]

As a professional organisation, we did, of course, carry out this procedure under the guidance of the Party Wall Act, whereby we informed the neighbour of the work that was about to take place. Hence, they are very aware that gallows brackets have been used. Similarly, if the neighbouring property were to do any further work on the chimney, they too would need to follow the Party Wall Act. At that point a Party Wall Surveyor would identify any potential risks of 'altering their chimney' as you put it. The Party Wall Surveyor could then suggest other methods to achieve the desired result while liaising with the Structural Engineer.

[@kevocos]

@@HYPEBuilding Did your SE have Hilti/an-other onsite to perform a pull-out test for the fixing of the gallows bracket into the brickwork? I've had Hilti out to site before to do a pull-out test on a similar project and they would not stand by use of their fixings connecting a gallows bracket to brickwork.

[@HYPEBuilding]

​@@kevocos No Hilti haven't done a pull-out test. However, we do use professional Structural Engineers with the appropriate insurance.

[@ChimellaTheChimneyUmbrella]

If you have a chimney, get yourself a CHIMELLA you will save Hundreds on your energy bills

[@madinahpaak1]

This needs to be government funded

[@ohjesushesaiditagain.6748]

Is it possible to increase the depth by removing the bricks at the back of the fireplace ?

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi there. Thanks for watching. Sorry, we're not sure what you mean. Can you clarify?

[@ohjesushesaiditagain.6748]

Sorted now pal. Thank you for reaching out though. Appreciated.

[@flippinheck]

personally I don't trust brackets having seen some pull away and also supporting brick work crack where fixings were placed, I prefer a beam, much more expensive but will never fail, nice work though, and like you said get the eng out and signed off, then you are covered and the house won't have a problem on selling.

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi there. We would also prefer to use a beam, but sometimes the practicality of installing a beam isn't straightforward. And sometimes, of course, the clients budget dictates our course of action. Thank you for your kind words and taking the time to watch our video - much appreciated 🙂👍

[@outspoken3297]

Correct way is to remove the chimney all the front the top.

[@coachgius]

No risk of collapsing during the removing procedure till gallows brackets are installed?

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi there. Thanks for your question. There shouldn't be any danger of collapse provided the brickwork has been propped up properly. Thanks for watching - much appreciated 🙂👍

[@coachgius]

@@HYPEBuilding and the obvious next question is what is for your propping up properly!? :) two props supporting the breast with a lintel close to the vertical wall?

[@HYPEBuilding]

@@coachgius Yes, in this instance, two props and a lintel is sufficient 🙂👍

[@big.al.a961]

I watched this video, which is great btw. Went and prices up the stuff I would need as a rough guide and then read gallows brackets are no longer allowed. Gutted!

[@daviddobbins8948]

I have a 3 storey terrace and I would love to remove the chimney breasts I have running from top to bottom in both the front and rear rooms of the house. Firstly, my neighbours chimney is not on the other side of mine, I.e we don’t share the chimney, does that mean I can’t do it? Secondly, this may be a dumb question, but do the chimneys support the floors in any way, or do you just fill in the holes where the chimney was?

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi David. Thanks for your question. If you don't share the chimney, that doesn't mean you can't do it. We would, however, advise that you get a structural engineer (or competent builder) to make sure that if you remove the chimney, you're not weakening the structural integrity of the wall. The chimney doesn't support the floor - unless you have a suspended floor - in which case the floor joists will be attached to it. The type of floor will determine how you go about completing the job. Hope that helps. We really appreciate you watching our video. Thank you 😊👍

[@ianmac8426]

I’d love some advice. We went to buy a house, the previous owner removed chimney Breast,, didn’t put gallow brackets up in the loft for the stack ,, anyhow building surveyor spotted this and made them put them in… so we bought the house ,, Fast forward 6 months , the stack above the roof seems to be leaning , also a slight twist about half way up the stack , we called a roofer / builder out , he will remove the stack and seal the roof , but leave the rest of stack in the loft still on the gallow bracket , does this seem right ? Also the party wall in the loft doesn’t look in the best condition,, but still passed building control ,, who told us to keep a eye on the stack in high winds ,, like that filled us with confidence,, been quoted nearly £2k to remove including scaffolding price ,, any advice ? I’d really appreciate

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi there. Thanks for your questions. We would suggest that it would be a better job to remove everything. If you remove the chimney stack, you're reducing the load on the party wall, which should improve it. Repointing would also help strengthen the party wall. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching our video 🙂👍

[@ianmac8426]

@@HYPEBuilding thank you so much, I will repoint the wall 👍🏻👍🏻

[@HYPEBuilding]

@@ianmac8426 You're welcome, mate 👌

[@mjbradley3266]

Thank you for posting this video. I found it really easy to follow and understand.

[@HYPEBuilding]

You're most welcome. We're really glad that you found it helpful and easy to follow. Thank you so much for taking the time to watch and leave us a comment - truly appreciated 👍

[@garvielloken3929]

I've just realized the "Building Knowledge" notifications!!! AWESOME!!!!!

[@HYPEBuilding]

Thanks, Garviel! We try to make our videos as helpful and informative as possible 😊 Glad you like the content. Stay tuned for more 😀👍

[@garvielloken3929]

This info was priceless!!

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi Garviel. Thanks, once again for the great feedback, mate. We're thrilled that our videos are coming in handy. And we truly appreciate you taking the time to watch them 😀👌

[@jayfreedom]

Are the chimneys tied into the wall itself similar to a header and stretcher bond?

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi there. Thank you for your question. Yes, indeed. The bond of the brick ties it to the party wall. Hope that helps. And thanks for watching 😀👍

[@garvielloken3929]

1 question - What happens if the neighbor is being awkward and won't agree?

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi Garviel. Thanks again for your questions. If the neighbour objects to the work taking place, the Party Wall Surveyor will help to resolve the situation. If the building is unsafe and the work that you are carrying out will improve the structural integrity and make it safe, then the work will need to take place anyway and the neighbour should have no objection. Hope that helps. Thanks again for watching. We're delighted that you're finding our content useful and informative 😀👌

[@garvielloken3929]

@@HYPEBuilding Brilliant! Thanks for replying!

[@paulwilliams8536]

I have a single stack chimney built in to a end wall of house, would the back of the chimney be the inside skin of the cavity ? Or would I be leaving a single skin wall which could potentially be a penetrating damp source

[@JaySmith-mw4dv]

Cheers, nice video mate, well put across 👍🏻

[@garvielloken3929]

NOOICE!

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi there. Thanks for watching and for your feedback - much appreciated 👌 Stay tuned for more helpful content 😉👍

[@matthewsmade]

What cemfix would you recommend

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi Tim. Thanks for watching and for your question - much appreciated. All makes of cement essentially do the same thing - it's the mixing ratio thats important. John would use a 3-1 mix in this scenario (3 sand, 1 cement) and some FEB. Hope that helps 😊👍

[@matthewsmade]

@@HYPEBuilding thanks for the response I was after a recommendation of what chemical fix you use to glue in the threaded rod for the brakets or do you use mechanical fixings bolts

[@HYPEBuilding]

@@matthewsmade Apologies. We use a brand called Hilti for this. Hope that helps 🙂👍

[@barbara9970]

Cost to remove a chimney breast and add the Gallow bracket with certification?

[@HYPEBuilding]

Hi Barbara. A project like this can cost anywhere between £4k and £11k. There are many factors involved, including your geographical location, the type of property, the size of the chimney, how many bricks need to be removed etc. Thank you for watching our video and for your question 🙂👍

[@barbara9970]

Thank you so much for responding to my query much appreciated.

[@HYPEBuilding]

@@barbara9970 You're most welcome. Sorry we couldn't be of any more help. Hope your project goes to plan 👍

[@stephendendy8376]

Clueless

[@spammebabe]

very informative thank you!

[@HYPEBuilding]

Thanks for the great feedback, Pedros. Really appreciate you watching our video and taking the time to let us know what you think 😀👌