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Chimney & Fireplace

Removal of gas fire and flue risk of damp

Anonymous user 03/03/2024 - 3.31 PM

I have had my gas fire removed, there is no chimney breast but the builder said something about offset blocks in the wall, it then becomes a metal duct in the loft space before terminating at a chimney in the ridgeline of the roof. We want to plaster over the old fireplace but he has said there is a risk of damp due to no airflow, he suggested drilling holes in the new plasterboard or having a roofer remove the ducting and chjmney and putting in a ridge tile. Any advice on which to do or any other options? Preferably we wouldn't want holes or a vent in the living room wall if possible.

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3 Answers

T&G home improvements

Rating: 4.9 out of 5

Nottingham

Sounds like you have a precast flue,if it is a precast, go into loft and disconnect it where it comes out of wall,you will be left with a 5" round hole,stuff fibreglass into hole,leave the short piece of flue pipe connected to ridge vent,job done

Answered16 July 2020

Fireside Design Solutions

Rating: 5 out of 5

Bristol

Under doc j of the building reg ALL fkues must be ventilated to avoid damp. If you block off the flue the air inside can stagnate/sweat and then cause a damp issue. Not an issue if its in your home but if you cause damp in your neighbours room you are liable. I'd fit a small vent over the plasterboard

Answered11 August 2020

Anonymous user

The easiest way to solve your problem is to put a vent in the plasterboard where you have covered the old fire place opening, this would give you sufficient air flow to keep the chimney dry and aired, the way a chimney works is, that the air passing over the top of the chimney creates an up draft down the flue, drawing air from your room below, so a small vent cover would solve it.

Answered17 July 2020