damp on chimney breast

[wayne1973]

Hello there, Im after some good advice from someone out there before I get my eyes taken out paying for something I didn't need....A few years ago, we got out chimney pots removed and where told to cap them off, which we didn't do straight away, (since been done though, well it still has holes in, as a vent for the gas fire). we are getting damp coming through all the time around the bottom either side of the fire (see pictures) I've hammered all the plaster off a couple of times back to the brickwork, had it plastered and then after months the same thing again, like a white salty residue and the plaster keeps blistering, and looks awful...is there anything that I can do to prevent this in future or do I have to get the experts in....I'm quite good at DIY, now I'm not saying Im a damp proofer or a qualified builder, but if its an easy/easy isn thing to do, then I'll give it a go myself

Kind Regards Wayne

 

[ree]

It would pay you to read all the "similar topics" at the bottom of this page, and search their references to similar problems.

Maybe, post pics of the chimney stack - distance and detailed zooms.

Why were the pots removed?

Pics, please, of the c/breast in the room above and in the loft space, and from outside if its a gable.

Pics of the full chimney breast in the pics.

What make of appliance am i looking at in the pic? Is it in use?

Is there a flue liner in place?

When did you last have the flue(s) swept?

You possibly have moisture mixing with soot in the flue - sulpherisation. This will show on the surface.
There might also be some penetrating or rising damp - but first the above Q's.