Cladding chimney breast in loft conversion

[moonirules]

Hello,

Our loft has been converted and we use it as a den away from the kid at the moment. The chimney breast is rendered in a rough plaster finish, sort of Mediterranean style. Occasionally after heavy rainfall so damp gets in.

For my next project, I was thinking of putting a frame onto the wall and cladding it in the tongue and groove sets you can get from the big shed shops. Can I plug the gap I think damp gets in at and go for it, or are there any other pitfalls I should be aware of in my plan?

 

[KenGMac]

moonirules, HI

Suggest you fit a Chimney cap to stop rain water entering the vertical Flue.

At the same time you should consider fitting a vent into the [now] I presume? unused fire place in one of the floors below.

Have a look on this site for ventilating a flue?? loads of information on here, even some hints as noted below in "Similar Threads"

Ken.

 

[theprinceofdarkness]

Are you positive its rain or could it be condensation, as the external stack is cold and the air in your room is not. Also the other side of the party wall is your neighbours loft which should also be cold.
Frank

 

[moonirules]

I was working on the assumption of rain. We're it condensation is there something I need to do to the wall before cladding??

Thanks

Matt

 

[theprinceofdarkness]

Insulating it would cure condensation providing the room temperature stays above 10*. Unfortunately it would seal in any damp due to rain ingress.
Frank