The Demolition of a Chimney

Using Scaffolds

• The roof of a house is one of the most difficult places to perform any type of demolition work. Roofs vary in their pitches. Some are much steeper than others. A chimney may also abut two different roof structures, especially if you own a two-story home with a fireplace. Therefore, you will need to erect a scaffold to dismantle your chimney. Many types of scaffolds are available. The type you use may be contingent on the height of your chimney above the roofline. Use platform scaffolds for higher chimneys. Hook ladders or 2-by-4 nailed-in planks may suffice for lower chimneys.

Safety Precautions

• Secure your work area by laying tarp or plastic around your house. Erect warning signs and ropes to keep people at a safe distance from the house. Also, place some wood planks inside your fireplace to protect it from falling debris. Lay an additional tarp to protect gutters and shingles. Wear a hard hat, long sleeve shirt and goggles to protect your arms and eyes from flying debris, recommends the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Consider wearing a face shield for greater protection. It is also advisable to wear a mask or respirator to protect yourself from cement or clay dust, which you can easily inhale over the course of the project.

The Dismantling Process

• Use a top-down approach to demolishing your chimney. First, dismantle the chimney crown with a crowbar. Use a sledgehammer to break the mortar and bricks from the top of the chimney. Break one brick at a time with a smaller hammer, especially if you are keeping the flue in place. If not, break the flue with a sledgehammer as you work your way down the chimney. Hit the outside edge of the bricks and break them horizontally. Keep the flue at a higher level than the chimney bricks to prevent debris from falling down the chimney. Use a crowbar to chip stubborn mortar away or pry bricks away from the flue. Work your way down to the roofline. Remove the flashing or thin aluminum casing at the base of the chimney, according to "Traditional Roofing" magazine. Cover the hole with a slate until you are ready to replace the roof lumber and shingles. Use a ladder to dismantle any chimney that runs along the side of your house to the foundation.

Collecting and Removing Debris

• Do not throw bricks or pieces off your roof, as you could hit a family member entering or exiting the house. Instead, place broken pieces from the roof in bins or trash receptacles. Clear all debris from gutters to prevent them from becoming stopped up. You may also want to squirt the roof off after your dismantle your scaffold, ladders or planks. Remove broken chimney pieces from the ground tarp and squirt them off as well.