My chimney in the back reception is like that. It backs onto another chimney in the kitchen (were they called boiler chimneys??)
Anyway the brickwork between A and C in the diagram is crumbling. In fact, it's so powdery that I can easily shove a screwdriver into each brick. This is from the hearth up to a height of about 18 inches
That is almost certainly caused by damp, but whether it's damp coming up from the bottom, or rain coming down the chimney I'm not sure. But I'll look at that as a separate issue.
What I'd value advice on is whether or not the bricks in that part of the diagram are supporting or not. Just how far can I go with digging out these crumbling bricks before I am in danger of the whole wall coming down?
Thanks in advance - and apolgies if its the wrong forum
Last year 64% of the questions asked in our forum were answered within our DIY project pages at www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects.htm The project pages are now separated alphabetically and your answers are accompanied by diagrams and the ability to see, and buy, the tools and/or required to complete your project. Use our search box to look for your answer and save a great deal of time and money!
DIY how to tutorial projects and guides - Did you know we have a DIY Projects section? Well, if no, then we certainly do! Within this area of our site have literally hundreds of how-to guides and tutorials that cover a huge range of home improvement tasks. Each page also comes with pictures and a video to make completing those jobs even easier!