Lead foil on chimney breast

[AndersonC]

During the course of removing wallpaper from upstairs bedrooms we have encountered what can only be described as a lead foil stuck to the chimney breasts.

This foil was not stuck very well to the wall and therefore has been removed.

My questions are:-

1. What is the purpose of this foil? Is it related to damp in any way?

2. If so, is it necessary to replace it with a modern day alternative?

3. If yes, what is the alternative that needs to be purchased?

The house is a 3 bed terrace built circa 1920.

Many thanks for any advice.

 

[Zampa]

You were right...the lead is there to quell dampness...and staining from soot drawn through by the dampness.

The problem may have been solved over the years in which case all you would need to do is seal the wall wih a stain block or damp seal and line it before decorating

Or if you are unsure about the damp/stain then you can still but paper backed foil and the special adhesive you need to apply it

Make sure you overlap the joints by half an inch or so when you do it...the line over the top

 

[AndersonC]

Thanks a lot