Damp Proofing

Damp chimney breast (around unused fireplace)

Anonymous user 09/03/2024 - 2.40 PM

Recently moved into a new property and noticed damp around our unused fireplace (the space it now just a hole in the wall, filled with decorative logs). Had rising damp treated (DPC injected, etc.), while roof works were also completed (tidying or mortar / rendering) - both recommended through the survey we had completed before moving in. Still seem to be having an issue with damp coming through the plaster on one side of the fireplace hole, especially on damp days. Been reassured by roofer that there are no issues with roof - he thinks it may be a condensation issue. We have a chimney cowl fitted, while inside the fireplace itself there's been a piece of plasterboard inserted (before we moved in). Work seems a bit shoddy as the plasterboard isn't level / is quite jagged in places. Bottom of chimney isn't completely blocked by plasterboard - there's a gap through which you can see up the chimney / hear the wind (assuming air is able to travel down chimney and through empty fireplace). Any recommendations as to how this damp issue can be sorted? With the rising damp having been treated and roofing works complete, I'm lead to believe that the roofer we have used is correct in that we have a condensation issue. Been doing some research around this and seems to be a fairly common problem, especially with houses built during similar eras to ours (1930s, semi-detached). Initial thoughts (as a layman) are that the fireplace hasn't been sealed correctly at the bottom, or we don't have the correct chimney cap fitted. Looking to get this rectified pretty quickly as we have a decorator due to begin work on the living room soon! Thanks, Chris