Damp around the blocked off chimney breast

joannerooks · 22 Oct 2013

We moved into a house about two years ago which had a little patch of damp at the bottom of the blocked off chimney. The chimney is blocked off and plastered over. The damp has just caused the paint to bubble a little bit and the wall paper in the corner to rise off the wall. It is not damp to touch.

We suspect that where the chimney is blocked at the top there is a bit of rain getting in or condensation that is then in turn filtering down. There is no vent at the bottom anywhere.

What i would like to know is. Is it an expensive job to get sorted? Would we we better off opening up the chimney again so there is some through air? And is it a builder who would sort this or do I need a chimney expert?

Any advice appreciated.

JohnD · 22 Oct 2013

disused chimneys need to be open top and bottom for ventilation, otherwise they will be damp.

A brick-sized hole where the fireplace used to be bw will do. You can put a MAP vent over it for neatness, they are white plastic or brass but can be painted to match the wall if you want.

joe-90 · 22 Oct 2013

It needs to be fully open or fully blocked. A bit of ventilation will give you condensation.

Alastairreid · 22 Oct 2013

Is the chimney breast on an external wall and is there a cap on the chimney head ?

joannerooks · 22 Oct 2013

It's an internal wall. I think its capped - but can't see very well without getting a ladder.

Alastairreid · 22 Oct 2013

Sounds like condensation forming on the wall where the fire was bricked up.

The area of wall will be colder than the rest of the room causing condensation to form.

Did you have furniture against the wall in that area?

joannerooks · 22 Oct 2013

there is a shelving unit but its away from the area. The problem is we would like to put in a fitted shelving and cupboards in there and we know that would be a major prob if we did with the damp.

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Damp around the blocked off chimney breast

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