Chimney breast

[1] Typically on the ground floor of a structure, the masonry extends upwards, containing a flue which carries smoke out of the building through a chimney stack.

English and American builders more often treat the chimney breast and fireplace as distinct architectural features, whereas French buildings have gradually trended towards concealed construction.

Use appropriate PPE, especially dust masks (FFP3) to avoid inhaling fine particles, such as silica and asbestos, which can be smaller than 2.5 microns.

[6] In some cases, support on a steel beam and post, or by gallows brackets may be acceptable with party wall agreement.

A gallows bracket cannot be used on both sides of the party wall without removing the chimney stack.