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Chimney & Fireplace

Bricked up fireplace

Anonymous user 03/03/2024 - 3.23 PM

We have two fireplaces downstairs with additional fireplaces in the bedrooms above. We have recently removed wallpaper and a board to find one of the fireplaces crudely bricked up. My question is: “Is this right?” I don't the chimneys are capped at the top. I believe there needs to be a vent in the chimney, which there isn't. Can anyone advise? I do have an photo of the bricked up chimney

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5 Answers

Ironworks

Rating: 5 out of 5
Shrewsbury
Ideally in a disused chimney there should be a small vent at the bottom and the top should have a redundant cowl fitted. The idea is to keeps birds and pests out of the chimney while stopping rain coming in. The vent at the bottom allows a trickle of air up the chimney and out through the cowl. It helps to stop damp and prevent the air in there becoming stale.
Answered11 June 2019
21

Richard Voaden Carpenter, Builder & Chimney Sweep

Rating: 5 out of 5
Lifton
Yes the chimney should be vented both top and bottom even when not in use, to stop potential damp issues etc, As Ironworks pointed out .
Answered12 June 2019
0

Anonymous user

My opinion here is if it’s capped off at above then a lower vent skirting line 5”” is ok as long there is some airflow is ok, but as then previous person said upper and lower is better but you could add an additional vent in the bedroom skirting
Answered27 June 2019
0

Creative Construction and Design (CCD )

Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Norwich
The gentleman who as given is advice yes he is on the right track My personal opinion would be to check the chimney and make sure it as been cleaned by a chimney sweep as soot is a great collector of Moisture this is where people have damp coming through the chimney Brest yes air circulation is the main thing in keeping the chimney as the gentleman informed you air vents into chimney breasts and cowlings do there job
Answered29 June 2019
0

Damp Cure Services

Rating: 5 out of 5
Cambridge
Agree with a few here. Basically air contains moisture and stagnant air combined with a drop in temperature will condensate inside chamber. So vent it or completely remove it. We get lots of work where people just board up!!
Answered30 June 2019
0