Chimney Vents in 1920's House

[nordberg73]

Hi,

Traditional 1920's semi in Yorkshire. THe upstairs fireplaces have both been blocked up at some point. One of them has been converted into shelving, and the other just bricked up and a vent installed. Question I have is, what is the vent for? It's particularly ugly to look at and the wife would like it removing if possible. I presume it's been installed for a reason (damp in the chimney?) so I'm reticent to glibly board it up but I'd like to understand what it's there for and what options, if any, I have.

Thanks as ever...

 

[nordberg73]

Can anyone help with this?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

You need to retain a vent in each blocked up fire place to prevent damp inside the stack, a vent chimney cap at the top hould be installed if not already.

 

[nordberg73]

Thanks.

I will look into getting the cap vented.