Peter Barber
This is quite a common problem in Victorian properties. It is quite common for the hearth to have no damp protection at all. The cure is fairly straight forward and will mostly involve removal and replacement incorporating dampness protection. It is probably wise to employ the services of a damp proofing company to deal with this item as the floor timbers in contact with the damp area may have been affected by decay/insect attack, and will require localized treatment. Best Wishes Peter Barber CSSW.,CRDS. London Waterproofing Solutions.
