Chimney Capping

[rqy99g]

We have just had a pepper pot fitted to the chimney as we are not going to use it at present and will have the fire front plastered over. It is only a small pre-cast flue... what would you do behind the plaster? Anything? Gas fitter says it doesn't need a vent but roofer says it does. Who's right?

 

[Bosswhite]

I would recommend an air vent, you need air to circulate in the "closed off" chimney to stop damp/stains coming through the wall and ceiling area

Dont forget to clean chimney before closing off get rid of as much soot as possible.

 

[foxhole]

vent it. Even a couple of holes in the skirting would do it.

 

[rqy99g]

Thanks for the replies. Do you think just plaster it over then fit vent or drill holes in skirting board. Nothing to fill the void (I'm guessing doing that would prevent air circulating anyway).

 

[Bosswhite]

Try and keep the void as clean as possible, a few holes drilled into skirting to allow warm air to enter the void and chimney, cover with narrow hit and miss vent, the choice is yours White Plastic, Brass, brown if its natural Wood Skirting.

 

[ree]

As suggestions above.

Knock out the old fire back if its not intended for future use - removing it will allow for a proper sweeping of the flue.

Have the condition of the stack checked out.

 

[rqy99g]

Excellent! Thanks for the advice.

Simon

 

[FiremanT]

Practically all new builds with precast flues are "supplied" with the opening boarded. The gas fire installer then opens up the board as required. No fire, no board removal. AND NO VENTILATION.

I would say board over an forget it. There will be no soot on the chimney to leach.