Air Flow in Disused Chimney

[alan8376]

I have read many comments on the Forum which say, let air flow up the flue to prevent dampness.

I am removing my old central heating boiler. What is left behind will be a 5" flue liner surrounded by vermiculite. (The already opened up fire place will be an ideal place for the new fridge).

Should I follow the same guidelines regarding airflow up the liner? Or can I cap it completly at the bottum?

Thanks
Alan

 

[JohnD]

what are you doing with the top?

 

[Richard C]

Putting a fridge in the space under an old flue won’t alter the need to ventilate it! You should also put a vented cap on the top to prevent rainwater ingress.

 

[alan8376]

Currently the chimney pot has a China-man's type guard on the top.

I have no plans this year to do anything with the chimney. As I live in a bungalow, I may start at the top and have the stack and chimney brick work in the loft removed followed by the bit in the kitchen to give more space!

 

[noseall]

many early masonry flues will suffer as a result of zero ventilation particularly those flues that have had many years of coal, wood or oil fires burnt within them.
the masonry within these structures may be saturated with hygroscopic salts and attract damp.

it is not always the case though with a clay pot lined flue that has exhausted, say gas fumes over the years.

the idea is to prevent a condensation build-up due to trapped moist air forming in the redundant flue.

i sealed my 'modern' flue off 4 years ago with no vent and no adverse prob's.
not good practice though.

 

[alan8376]

Thanksfor all the replies.

I will allow some ventilation.

Regards
Alan