How To Remove A Chimney (Find Out The Process Now!)

Chimneys are wonderful as they’re necessary if you’re wanting to use your fireplace for some warmth on a chilly night. They can also add some character to your roof and both the interior and exterior design of your home. However, what if you don’t use your chimney? In the case you don’t use your chimney, it’s better to remove it than allow it to sit.

To remove your chimney, you will need the proper tools and safety equipment. First, start by removing the chimney breast by using a hammer, masonry chisel, and sledgehammer. You will do this brick by brick until you reach the roof level. Then, perform the necessary renovations to close the chimney.

We will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to remove your chimney and the costs associated with such a project. Also, we discuss whether you should do a full or partial removal and help you with that decision process.

Related Guide: Cost To Remove Chimney And Fireplace

Before you even begin, you will need to know whether you’re going to do a full removal or partial removal. This will change the removal process drastically, which is why you need to know what you’re going to do before you start.

If you’re going with partial removal, you will only be removing the chimney stack, which is the part that’s sticking up on your roof that everyone can see. If you’re doing a full removal, you will remove both the chimney stack and the breast.

In the partial removal, you will need to remove the chimney stack. However, some people decide they want to keep the chimney breast for decoration and the fireplace for a nice touch of design. However, this will depend on what you want to do with your home as well as the budget you’re looking at.

People on a lower budget for this type of project will most likely only do a partial removal until they can come up with the money for the additional renovations they will need to do with a full removal.

Full removals are a lot more complicated than a partial removal, and they take more time since you’ll have to take down the entire structure. You will then need to figure out what you’re going to do to cover the large gap the chimney leaves in your home once it’s removed.

So, with a full removal, you don’t only have the cost of removing the chimney, but also the renovation costs for covering the gaping hole that’s sitting within your roof.

Something else to think about with a full removal is that you’ll need to ensure the walls and structures around the chimney are supported while you do this. You can do support the nearby structures by installing some support beams. Check the areas where your chimney is connected to the wall as these are the areas that are more prone to collapse and a higher risk of causing injury.

The first part of the chimney you’ll want to tackle in a full chimney removal is the chimney breast. Before you do this, though, you will need to ensure that the chimney is adequately supported. A great way to support your chimney is by using a gallows bracket. Check that it’s appropriately positioned before moving on.

To remove the chimney breast, you will begin at the top and work your way down. For this, you will need a hammer, sledgehammer, and a masonry chisel. Work on each brick, one by one, chiseling away at the brick. Set each brick next to you on the scaffold until you get a pile.

When you have a pile of bricks, set them in a 5-gallon bucket and lower the bucket using a rope. Dump the bricks on the ground. Don’t let the bricks pile up too much on the scaffold, or you increase the risk of an accident.

When you’re finished with the chimney removal, you will need to check to see what type of renovations you’re going to need. After the whole chimney is removed, you will be left with this gaping hole in your ceiling. Therefore, you will need to initiate the renovations to fix this unsightly mess.

When you’re assessing what you need to do to finish, check the structure of the home. The structure should still be completely intact. If it’s not, you will need to fix the problem or call a professional to do so.

If you decide that you can do this on your own, that’s great! Not only will you be able to save some money, but you’ll also be able to get some more experience under your belt.

If you’re going for partial removal, this will cost you anywhere between $200 to $400 to do. However, if you want a full removal, this will cost upwards of $1,000 to $2,500. This price covers everything from equipment rental to tools that you will need. If you already own the equipment and tools, then, of course, the cost will be on the lower side.

Chimney removal is a process that should only be done or supervised by someone who is an advanced DIY enthusiast. However, if you want to hire a professional to do the job for you, that’s always an option as well!

It’s vital that you check the house’s structure before removing the chimney to prevent any potential accidents or injuries. Take the time to add additional support where it’s needed, and be prepared to make any renovations along the way! While you may be inclined to rush this process, it’s crucial that you go slowly, brick by brick. This helps avoid any preventable mistakes and injuries.