Rain comes through Chimney

[sifly]

Hi there!

I have a Velux loft conversion with the chimney breast removed. My problem is that after it has rained heavily I get damp patches on the ceiling just below where the chinmey is.

In the gap between the room wall and the outside brick wall is insulation (probably mouldy insulation by now).

How can I stop this happening? Do I have to remove the chimney on the roof or can it be sealed up? Rough cost?

I'd appreciate any assistance you can provide.

 

[rustus]

What's holding the chimney up now that the wall below it has been removed?

 

[sifly]

Hi Rustus,

A metal lintel is holding the chimney up.

Not sure if it has a specific nameor anything, it was installed before the loft conversion was started.

 

[rustus]

Depending on ease of access, and subject to other restrictions (for instance if you live in a listed building) you could remove the remainder of the chimney - of course there will be a significant roofing job involved too - or just block it.

Blocking it up should solve or at least greatly reduce the problem. My only hesitation is the condition of the brickwork. If the mortar is in bad nick the chimney could let damp in even if the top is blocked, not to mention the structural implications!

 

[sifly]

Hi Rustus,

It's an end terrace Edwardian house (not listed) with the chimney at side by the end of the terrace (not adjoining a neighbour). We have a driveway next to this so access from the outside is easy.

When the conversion was done the builders said it looked ok and there was no need to remove it.

How would I block it up? Is there an expanding foam to use or is it a plate/lid of some sort that is placed on the top of the chimney?

 

[Roofy]

If not, there are a few ways to deal with it.

1) get a roofer to put a clay or metal cap if you still have chimney pots.
or
2) get a roofer to cap the chimney & poss render the outside wall.
or
3) probably best = take the chimney brest out.