Chimney removal glossary

Work beyond the agreed scope. Record the reason, extent, price and approval before proceeding with the additional activity.

The extent to which unwanted airflow through an element and its interfaces is restricted. This is a different function from keeping rain out.

A provisional amount for a contract item that is not yet fully defined. Ask what it covers and how the final cost will be established.

Specialist investigation for asbestos within a defined survey area. Always check the components covered and any limitations recorded in the report.

The location where one structural element rests on another. Its material, condition, connection and dimensions must suit the structural design.

A wall with inner and outer leaves separated by a cavity. Repairs must consider existing connections, any insulation and moisture protection.

The term may refer to the whole chimney or only the stack above the roof. Define the scope by floor and roof component.

A notification to the competent authority for demolition subject to a notification requirement. It is not the same as an environmental permit.

Permission from the competent authority for an activity requiring a permit. The requirement must be checked for the actual proposal and location.

A part of a building defined for limiting fire spread. An altered floor, wall or shaft may form part of its separation.

The visible surround or construction around a fireplace. A quotation should separately state whether the flue behind it is also included.

A passage for carrying smoke away. Its route and current use must be established before alteration or removal.

A system that carries combustion gases from an appliance outdoors. Work affecting an installation must be coordinated with the appropriate specialist.

The stage at which completed work is checked against the agreed scope and quality and handed over. Outstanding items should be recorded clearly.

The arrangement of members supporting a floor or roof. Visible finishes do not necessarily reveal their direction, connections or condition.

The meeting point between components or materials, such as a repaired area and the existing roof. Agree who assesses, forms and checks it.

Protected status that may apply to a building or feature. Check both the property’s protection and the rules for its surroundings.

The route through which loads pass via building elements to the ground. Changing one support may affect other parts of that route.

The connected components that carry and transfer loads. The function of a component cannot reliably be determined from its visible finish alone.

The association of owners in a divided property. For chimney work, check affected common parts and the applicable decision-making procedure.

A drawing explaining a construction relationship without providing all execution data. It does not replace a surveyed design and calculations for a particular property.

An updated drawing incorporating relevant changes. Establish which version describes the final work and keep earlier designs clearly identified.

The roof’s outer covering, such as tiles or a flat-roof membrane system. Repairs must suit the existing material and condition.

The board or sheet layer within a roof assembly beneath the outer covering. Its exact construction varies and must be established for the particular roof.

A point where a flue or other component passes through the roof. Removal requires attention to the connection with the existing roof assembly.

A professional assessment of structural relationships and the effects of a proposed alteration. It helps determine what further design information is needed.

A calculation tied to a specific structural design and its assumptions. It cannot automatically be applied to a different situation or revised proposal.

A part of the building envelope with greater heat transfer than surrounding areas. A former flue interface needs assessment within the existing build-up.

Structural framing around an opening in a joisted floor. Existing members and connections need assessment before the opening is altered.

A layer that restricts water-vapour movement. Its position and compatibility with existing materials depend on the complete roof or wall build-up.