by ALDA »
Wed Apr 23, 2008 5:23 pm
DARREN,
FIRSTLY DEFINITEVLY CONFIRM THAT THE PIER AND WALL ARE NONE LOAD BEARING ( IF IN DOUBT SEEK ADVICE OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEER OR BUILDING CONTROL INSPECTOR/OFFICER)
THE PIER MIGHT BE THERE/OR HAS BEEN TO PROVIDE STABILITY TO JUST THE WALL ONLY (ALTHOUGH OVER ENGINEERED IN MY OPINION).
THEN TRY TO ASSERTAIN WHETHER WHAT APPEARS TO BE A SOLID STRUCTURE MAY WELL BE A HOLLOW ONE AND MIGHT BE USED AS A CONDUIT FOR WIRING, PIPES OR DUCTS ETC.
THESE SATISFIED, I WOULD SUGGEST THAT IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE TO SIMPLY REMOVE UNWANTED MASONARY AND BRICKBOND DOUBLE SKIN WALL END TO SEAL THE CAVITY THAT WILL BE THERE, IF INDEED THE WALL WAS AN EXTERIOR WALL AT SOME POINT DURING ITS LIFETIME.
ASK BUILDING CONTROL FOR ADVICE AS ALTERATION MAY REQUIRE BUILDING CONTROL APPROVAL AND EVEN PLANNING PERMISSION (GREY AREA).
REGARDS,
ALDA.