Skip to main content

Ready to hire?

Post your job in minutes, browse real reviews and choose who to speak to.Post a job

Need some tips or advice?

Ask a question
Chimney & Fireplace

Is chimney breast ventilation necessary if flues are capped internally?

Anonymous user 09/03/2024 - 3.04 PM

Hi All My situation is that I have a chimney on an external wall where 1) the breast projects into the house, 2) the stack has been removed and 3) the connected flues for the living room and bedroom above have been capped above the bedroom ceiling (all of the chimney structure in the loft has been removed), 4) the builders' openings in the living room and bedroom above are open and the flues aren't blocked internally. My question is, how can I block these flues internally to minimise soot smells in the rooms, to minimise heat loss, and to prevent bits of old flue lining/mortar from falling out of the builders' opening when a heavy train goes past, before I fit fire places (non-functioning, just to look nice)? The builders' openings and flues have been brushed clean to only a few inches above the builders' openings. I'm thinking that I could just put a chimney balloon/board in each flue to block it up, but this would leave the flues unventilated, so then would I have to put an air brick for each flue on the external wall to allow them to vent externally, or would it be better just to not fully block up the flues so they can vent internally?

Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?

2 Answers

Carver Property Services

Rating: 5 out of 5
Leicester
Hi, If the chimney has been removed to below roof level and there is no way for moisture or damp to enter from above then it should be fine to cap everything internally without the need for airbricks. I would try to fill any holes with kingspan type insulation first then board them over to stop smells and dust entering. Hope this helps, Kristian
Answered17 October 2019
6

Heritage chimney sweeps and fireplace fitters

Rating: 5 out of 5
Prestonpans
I would fit debris plate at bottom just above fire recess then fill existing chimney with vermiculite sand to insulate which will stop any condensation inside old flue.
Answered20 October 2019
1