Expert: James Ball - 4/10/2009

Question
Hi James,
I would like to remove a double sided fireplace and chimney that is in the middle of my living room. It takes up to much space and is outdated. Do these types of fireplaces normally support any structure like the roof of ceiling in the house?

Answer
Hello Matt, it should not support any thing BUT, who knows how they built it. in order to find out you will have to open all the walls surrounding the chimney from roof line to basement, speak to a general contractor or you could have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have they should be able to help.
James