Removing a chimney?

Question

part of the chimney is on the outside of the house, does that mean it's still a sturctural support for the house? or can I go ahead and remove it?

Answer 1

Most  Brick chimneys are free standing and not attached to the house except for the trim pieces to weather seal the exterior.removing one is tedious work, but nothing a competent DYI can not handle.

Have plastic sheeting available in case the weather turns, and tape off and cover the inside opening to help prevent dusting everything inside with soot.

Work from the top down to avoid taking out more house than you plan.

Luck

Answer 2

Go ahead and remove it.  It holds up nothing but its own weight.

Answer 3

If you are only removing the upper chimney as one one answer detailed, that might look funny like you were only halfway fixing things.  Would be a red flag to me.  

If you want to remove from all rooms but basement, you may need to complete some significant exterior and interior work if you remove the whole deal - I mean what's the use of having the hearth and all that stuff if its not functional?  

But as indicated, chimneys are not typically structural.

Also, more importantly, make sure the chimney does not have vents for various furnaces or water heaters (gas or propane powered).  Some older homes had a separate flue for this purpose, and if you block that off you need to also make changes to your venting of the natural gas or risk carbon monoxide poisoning or fire.

Answer 4

yes it should be going though the roof the other no start topside and start knocking lose the bricks right on down the last one i did i dropped them right inside thye old chimney once below the roof line a half sheet of plywood will fix that and a few tabs of shingles.if your going all the way down no problem just a hole to fix when you get below the floor

Answer 5

you can tear it down, just make sure its not being used...