Suggestions On Supporting Chimney In Attic?

John Andrews

We have been task to support three chimneys constructed during mid 1800 above ceiling. The brick will be supported by four by six timbers in attic spaced twelve inches on center. Understand the lower chord and rafters are 4" x 6" spaced 12" on center. The chimney will stay above roof line and fastened/supported on top of lower chords. We are providing more floor space for library and offices. The chimney will be viewed from outside strictly for preservation purposes. We brain stormed ideas and will possibly install support pipe down inside interior wall to concrete footer. However, can these timbers support the weight of the brick? Each chimney are approx. 3' x 2' and will be six to seven foot tall. I contemplated sliding 6 x 6 angle iron into mortar joint and strapping brick for support prior to removing lower section of chimney. Give me your ideas. By the way important note, this is in the Florida panhandle and subject to hurricane winds. Yes, we are right on the Gulf of Mexico near Pensacola.

willworkforbeer

I'd say it could be done, steel frame on top of crossbraced posts (a lot of figuring to do) but its a really bad idea. You'd always be waiting for that phone call telling you some bad news.

jvcstone

Have an engineer figure it out and SIGN off on whatever is decided.

JVC

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John VanCamp
www.jvcstoneworks.com

DQM

"brick will be supported by four by six timbers in attic spaced twelve inches on center."

masonry on wood ? dont think its good idea.

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DQM

If the chimneys are not going to be used take them down, frame them up and use thin cut brick

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raskolnikov

That phone call is gonna come sooner or later! Get rid of the stacks if your not using them and then fake it above the roof. This will also come back to haunt someone down the road and if anyone with a sense of taste and preservation ends up with the house they'll be cursing your name and anyone else involved.

D.

tkle

You do have to think about how safe it would be in a major fire.
Offhand I'm not sure it would be allowed.
I'm guessing facing or thin brick are not the answer due to the historic nature.
I would want metal.
A good engineer is much cheaper than a lawsuit.