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Damp Proofing

fireplace damp problem caused by no cover on the chimney?

Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 2.57 PM

I have been in my house 15 years. It was built around 1860 and there was originally a fireplace in the dining room which has been bricked up/plastered. About 6 months ago, a damp patch appeared in the shape of the fireplace and I called a builder in. He said it was because I didn't have a cover on the chimney, but I have never had this problem before. It seems strange that it is almost completely square and the rest of the chimney breast and wall is dry. Any ideas before I engage on expensive work?

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3 Answers

Anonymous user

This may be the cause of the problem as you don't have a fire in use which usually evaporates the moisture, therefore allowing moisture to build up. However as the damp is only in the shape of the fire place it might be that this area has not been damp proofed when you had the opening bricked up, or you may require a more water resistant lime plaster.

Answered13 June 2013

ADR Property Maintenance

Rating: 5 out of 5

Boston

if it not capped and vented it is basically lack of ventilation,,the type of building material used originally to build the house would be lime mortar, this can soak up a lot of water before it starts showing through, simple cap on the chimney like an elephants foot and a vent at the other end,job done

Answered14 June 2013

Trident Damp

Rating: 5 out of 5

Sidcup

Hi there Did you leave a hole for air circulation if not then inside the chimney you may have condensation which is coming out where you have had the works carried out especially if they used a gypsum plaster as this acts like a sponge with moisture which is why you are seeing the damp in this area,with out knowing the full facts it is only supposition. regards Joseph

Answered14 June 2013