Question About Chimneys and Fireplaces

[Rabmac1]

Hi,

I live in a 1920s mid terrace house in the UK. My house originally had 4 fireplaces, 2 of which were located at the front of the house (which shared a chimney) and 2 at the back of the house (which again shared a chimney). On our roof we have 4 chimney pots, 2 which belong to our house and 2 that belong to our neighbours house. None of our fireplaces are working and have either been bricked up or have only decorative fireplaces.

Recently we had someone new move in next door and they have decided to make the fireplace in their living room a working one. This work is currently under way and as a result we have noticed that they have knocked a hole in their chimney and into our chimney. Now we can see from our living room into theirs.

Anyway, we were wondering why they have knocked this hole through into our house. Is this normal? Should we be worried? What should we do about this?

Thanks

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

You best ask the person responsible for knocking through, doesn't sound anything like normal.

 

[Rabmac1]

Thanks

 

[Burnerman]

What a ludicrous situation
Presumably next door are having a chimney liner fitted? Either way, its most unusual for fireplaces to have shared chimneys - although they can meet at the chimney pot, on occasion.
Whatever happens, if their chimney liner is compromised in any way, products of combustion can escape into your living room, and whatever happens that is completely unacceptable.
This work should be done by HETAS regulated companies, and whoever is doing the work needs to be contacted.
John

 

[Rabmac1]

Thanks very much for your reply it was very helpful.

I am pretty sure we don't share a chimney with our neighbour, and we both have 2 chimneys each, which is why I don't think they should have knocked through and I am wondering the reason they have done so.

I don't know if they are getting their chimney lined but would imagine (hope) that they are.

With regards to HETAS, do they also cover Scotland?

 

[Burnerman]

I can't answer that one mate, but if anyone knocked a hole into my living room, believe me there would be hell on.
Chimney liners in England aren't obligatory, assuming the chimney itself is in good condition - which yours clearly isn't.
John

 

[Rabmac1]

Yeah, I can't say that I am too impressed that a hole has now appeared, the only saving grace is that is currently covered by our decorative fireplace. However, I just wanted to check that this was not normal when restoring a chimney to working order as I know I need to go and discuss this with my new neighbour but don't want to fall out with them as I am sure it can be remedied easily.

My guess to why they knocked a hole is that I reckon there were no fire bricks in their house and they were wanting to check what was in our fireplace but this is just conjecture. That being said, I don't know why they didn't just ask.