Old chimney breast/flue vents

[Maatz123]

Hi there,

Recently purchased a 1930s terrace house, currently renovating.

The fireplaces have already been bricked up in the lounge and both bedrooms upstairs, however there was only a vent in bedroom 1, nothing in bedroom 2 or in the lounge. (Photos attached)

Is this correct? Should I leave it as it is?

Thanks,

 

[jeds]

Without vents there is a risk of condensation building up in the flue. That may (or may not?) seep into the masonry and if it does that will cause problems with staining and apparent dampness - especially on old plaster - and very especially on new gypsum plaster, which you should avoid like the plague! Problem is, these things have a habit of only showing up after the room is finished and nicely decorated. My advice is add vents while it is relatively easy to do so. You don't want to have to go back later.

 

[Maatz123]

Thanks @jeds and excuse the possibly stupid question, but to add a vent in bed 2 and lounge I’ll just need to drill out a hole similar to the one already in bed 1? (And attach new grill/vent cover)

 

[jeds]

Indeed. I would get the vent cover first - a hit and miss type to allow some control as necessary later - and then work around that. Each room will be served by a different flue so you need one in each. The chimney tops should also be open vented - but protected from rainwater ingress.

 

[jeds]

PS. where the brickwork is exposed, just take out a brick.
PPS. ideally, the flues should have been cleaned/swept before blocking up.