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V Lord58 · Aug 31, 2013, 06:13 AM

Can somebody tell me why my neighbour (not approachable) would have the chimney pot taken from the roof and the hole covered with what appears to be a pillar top? I know my neighbour has had the old gas fire taken away and I assume a new fire (don't know what type) put in its place but is it dangerous to block up a chimney outlet. There isn't another property in my road that has had this done, can someone advise please?
Vanessa

tickle · Aug 31, 2013, 06:40 AM

If his heating source does not need a chimney, then I don't see the point in having one. You do have to leave a vent though, and have your outlet cleaned of soot and birds nests, etc. before covering it over. You are in the UK? If so, then do you know of any particular law that would forbid this?

Why does this bother you; is it a danger to you in particular?

joypulv · Aug 31, 2013, 07:31 AM

Don't know what a 'pillar top' is but it might be vented out the sides. Maybe he put in electric heat. Maybe he put in a type that is vented out the side of the house, as many new ones can be, the same size as a dryer exhaust.

V Lord58 · Sep 1, 2013, 08:36 AM

I live in a semi detached bungalow and share an adjoining wall and chimney stack with my neighbour who does not speak to me since I reported him to the council ( not before warning him fist ) because he decided to extend his bungalow without permission and over my boundary. After nearly 20 years of being friendly they now don't speak to me and I was worried because two pots where taken down and only the one existing small metal outlet was left on the chimney top. That metal outlet has always been there but I was worried one of the pots removed was ours, I have a gas fire which needs a chimney. My neighbours home has always been an on-going project which I always just accepted until the boundary issue and I don't wish to cause any more bad feeling unnecessarily. A pillar top is a flat piece of brick ( like a small flagstone) which you put on the top of a brick pillar to finish off, I don't know whether they left any vents though. I was just worried this project was dangerous or would cause problems or damage to my home.
Vanessa

V Lord58 · Sep 1, 2013, 08:40 AM

Thanks for that, A Pillar top is a flat piece of stone (like a small Flagstone) used on top of a stone pillar to finish off. I don't know whether they have left vents.
Vanessa

joypulv · Sep 1, 2013, 08:48 AM

Oh sorry, I was wondering if you were being unduly nosy. Definitely follow up on this with the town building inspector. You could send some smoke up your chimney with a dye in it, I suppose, but I don't know what you would use. If you share the chimney, you can send a heating contractor up on the roof.
It is always good to have your building plans on hand too.

tickle · Sep 1, 2013, 08:51 AM

You are in the UK then, because you did mention 'the council'. If your semi detached is elderly, then yes, I would be worried as well, but if you are in the UK and this is an international site, I can only suggest you consult with a building inspector appointed by the council. I don't know if this would constitute a fire hazard or not.

V Lord58 · Sep 1, 2013, 12:13 PM

Thanks for your advice.
Vanessa