Side Chimney Removal

Preparation

• Don't get into the substantial job of tearing down a chimney until you are prepared. If the chimney is connected to a fireplace, you will end up with a large hole in your exterior wall when you're done, so don't begin this job when cold weather is on the way. Having scaffolding on hand will make this job much more convenient and safer than if you attempt it on a ladder. Prepare a location on your property to store the bricks, or arrange with someone to take them away. Knowing where the bricks will go before you tear down the chimney will save you the trouble of moving them more than once.

Method

• There are many fast and unsafe ways to tear down a chimney. Try to avoid them all. While it may be tempting to chain the chimney to your bumper and drive away, this could lead to injury of both yourself and your house. Set up sturdy scaffolding around the chimney and deconstruct it in a controlled way, using a hammer and cold chisel. Loosen the bricks one at a time and lower them to the ground in a bucket on a rope. A careful disassembly will reward you with used bricks and pieces of chimney flue in good condition.

Safety

• Set up a cordon around the area to keep curious people, children and pets away from your work. Place warning signs encouraging people to avoid the area. Wear gloves and safety glasses when using a hammer and chisel; it only takes one sliver of brick to injure your eye. Don't work in the rain or in windy conditions.

Repair

• Once you have removed the side chimney, you will be left with gaps in your fascia, soffits and exterior siding. You will need to repair these elements of the house, preferably with materials and style that are compatible with the original work that surrounds the chimney area. It is particularly important to repair the fascia, soffits and other parts of the eaves and roof as quickly as possible. When the chimney was in place, its flashing kept water out of the roof, but as soon as you removed it you created a potential leakage problem on your roof.