FTB Basics: Chimney Checks on your Home Viewings

When we bought a house last year, we thought we may have a problem. When you looked at the house from the outside, it was plain to see that it had a chimney stack, but when you went inside, there was no fireplace anywhere.

Every house built 50 or more years ago, would have had a fireplace in it at some point. This was how people kept their homes warm in winter. Some older homes would have used fireplaces for cooking and heating water for washing or bathing. So if you are considering an older house for your first home, chances are you need to look a bit deeper into the world of chimneys.

Chimneys, while charming and evocative of a bygone era, can pose a range of issues for first-time buyers. From structural concerns to maintenance challenges, being aware of potential chimney problems is essential for ensuring the safety and integrity of your future home.

Structural integrity is paramount when it comes to chimneys. Check out for signs of leaning, cracking, or loose bricks, as these may indicate underlying structural issues. Additionally, be wary of flue obstructions, such as bird nests or soot build up, which can pose fire hazards and affect airflow.

Water damage is another common issue with chimneys. Stains or powdery efflorescence on the inside walls may signal water infiltration, leading to deterioration of the chimney structure and costly repairs. Check that the lead flashing at the base of the chimney stack outside is intact to prevent water from getting in around the chimney.

One significant concern with older homes is the removal of fireplaces and chimney breasts to create more floor space. This can result in floating chimney stacks, where the top portion lacks proper support, or structural weakening of the wall where the chimney once stood. Watch for signs of alterations to the chimney breast area and inquire about hen the fireplace may have been removed. This could require extra paperwork for your solicitors relating to Building Control sign off.

So back to the potential issue we thought we had when we bought our house last year, we suspected that we had a floating chimney stack because we couldn’t see where the chimney would have been inside the house. So we highlighted this as a concern with the surveyor who did our Home Buyers survey. It turns out, the previous owners hadn't removed the chimney; it was hidden in a cupboard, so we were lucky not to have any of the issues highlighted above around floating chimneys.

But if we hadn’t known to look out for this it may have been missed. And we could then have ended up with the worse case, a structural problem.

Empowering you with knowledge, one property predicament at a time! Ready to embark on your home buying journey and learn about more of these potential pitfalls? Book a strategy call with me to discuss your next steps and ensure a smooth transition into home ownership.

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