Reducing height of woodburner chimney

[achester75]

Hi a few bricks have started to break away at the top of the chimney, is it OK to remove the top few courses as we've had trouble before due to facing bad weather fronts. We can repair but thougt if it is reduced by 4 or 5 courses the chimney would be protected by the roof. The chimney is currently 27 courses.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Is the chimney in any sort of use, for a stove or gas fire?

 

[achester75]

Not at the moment but we are planning to put a log burner in but not for a couple of years

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Not at the moment but we are planning to put a log burner in but not for a couple of years

Best wait for one of the HETAS guys to reply then..

 

[achester75]

OK, thanks

 

[tell80]

Why not post pics of the stack, & the surrounding roof?
Your stack is, I presume, 2m above the roof - such high stacks were built so tall on purpose - to give good draw in the flues, & to follow Regs.
There are variables to consider before dropping a stack, even for a few courses but to make any suggestions a pic would be needed?

 

[noseall]

Hi a few bricks have started to break away at the top of the chimney, is it OK to remove the top few courses as we've had trouble before due to facing bad weather fronts. We can repair but thougt if it is reduced by 4 or 5 courses the chimney would be protected by the roof. The chimney is currently 27 courses.

It will depend upon its position on the roof and its position relative to its surroundings. There are strict guidelines regards height v's proximity to the ridge, roof material, neighbours and things such as dormers etc.

Applies to active chimneys.

 

[achester75]

OK thank you

 

[denso13]

Hi a few bricks have started to break away at the top of the chimney, is it OK to remove the top few courses as we've had trouble before due to facing bad weather fronts. We can repair but thougt if it is reduced by 4 or 5 courses the chimney would be protected by the roof. The chimney is currently 27 courses.

If it's unsafe at the moment just remove the loose courses until you get to solid. You can worry about the log burner implications when/if it happens.