Chimney & Fireplace

chimney damp from top crawling down after lead flashing added.

Anonymous user 23 February 2024 - 2.48 PM

Hi, I had a wee bit of damp at the top of the chimney in my back bedroom (I live in a bungalow). I looked at my chimney and saw there was no lead flashing and thought that must be it. I called someone in to put the lead flashing on. They agreed they could see a crack. They put the lead flashing on, looks fine. Since the lead flashing has been put on, the damp on the chimney has actually gotten worse! It's now climbing down the chimney towards the bottom and its on the other side of the chimney in the front bedroom climbing down. It is one chimney in 2 bedrooms with 2 flues. (This is in the space of 1 week the damp is growing of course the rain has been non-stop). I've been in my loft and there is no water leaking into the loft anywhere. 1. Is it something that is just cycling through and should I leave it for a bit to see if it goes away? 2. When I look at the 2 flues at the top it is just that. There doesn't seem to be anything covering it. Is it as simple as me just buying something and popping it on? (I'm trying to save for other much needed house repairs.. this is just a pain to happen now..) 3. Initially, I was thinking of saving the chimney and using it with a small wood burner but now I'm thinking it is too much hassle. What are the cost implications of getting the chimney "sealed" now but then bearing in mind that I'm going to want the whole thing removed in about 2 years (to gain the space inside)? Any ideas on getting it sealed vs. getting just the top part removed (to close off my roof) and leaving the bottom half in the bedrooms for now or having everything out? Thanks, Jenny