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Reopen Chimney?

Posted by Michael Alexander, on Sun 19 Jun 2016 08:20pm

I have an air-brick (with vent) in my upstairs bedroom where the original fire obviously used to be and was bricked up. The vent/air brick leads up the chimney however the cowl on the chimney stack has been removed and closed previously. When I got the house there was a stain (not wet) caused by the old (apparently) wooden soakers at the top of the wall (which has the flue behind it) and edge of the ceiling. This wall has been stripped back and reskimmed however a similar sized darkening of plaster occurred however other than feeling potentially slightly colder, the discoloration isn't seemingly wet or damp however when its been raining the room does smell a little damp and of fresh plaster. In winter when we have the heating on considerably more, the windows are usually coated in condensation. Should the chimney be reopened and a small cowl for ventilation be added or is having an air-brick enough and the occurrence of discolored plaster and smell not as a result of (what I believe to be) damp?

adam maiden

Wed 22 Jun 2016 10:15pm

I sounds like the soaker system/step flashing is failing if you do not plan on using the chimney I would remove it in to the attic and tile the roof in there should be no chance of a leak or damp but please note removing a chimney may devalue the property slightly and removing chimney in to the attic leaving the top open ther will be a better air flow hope this helps

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