What are party walls?

Party walls are usually formed in brick and contain the flues from the individual fireplaces on both sides of the party wall, leading up to the mutual chimney.

The walls are often quite thin behind fireplaces and wall presses in the front and back rooms. The wall press may have been converted into an alcove, but originally the press would have had a door and lined with timber panelling. Behind the panelling there would be a very thin section of wall, sometimes formed from a slab of stone, sometimes a half brick wall. Noise can travel between apartments at these points.

Also, the wall tends to be thinner where the old bed recess area was, sometimes only a brick thick.

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Flues

Chimney flues in depth of wall (shown as squares)

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Thin walls

Found at back of presses and alcoves

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Party Wall

Shared between neighbouring tenements

Professional help recommended?

Although the work may appear straightforward, ensure your builder or tradespeople have the skills for the job. If in any doubt, get professional help to specify and organise the repair.

Who pays?

Party wall repairs are normally mutual between the two tenements.