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Chimey stack removal - ventilation

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Hi,

I live in a dormer bungalow and was having a few problems with damp on and around my chimney breast so decided to have the top of the chimney stack removed down to loft level and tile over the roof.

However, it doesn't seem to have cured my problems and in fact more damp has appeared, this time on the wall/ceiling of my living room, no where near the chimney breast.

I have got an air vent at the bottom of the chimney breast (in the living room) where I blocked up the fireplace, however I'm not sure yet if the top of the stack which is in the loft has been blocked off completely or left open.

1. Should the top be blocked off or left open?

2. If blocked off, what with and should it be ventilated?

3. Is there anything else I need to do to prevent damp/condensation?

Thanks

Comments

  • Ben84
    Ben84 Posts: 3,069 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    almeida24 wrote: »
    Hi,

    I live in a dormer bungalow and was having a few problems with damp on and around my chimney breast so decided to have the top of the chimney stack removed down to loft level and tile over the roof.

    However, it doesn't seem to have cured my problems and in fact more damp has appeared, this time on the wall/ceiling of my living room, no where near the chimney breast.

    I have got an air vent at the bottom of the chimney breast (in the living room) where I blocked up the fireplace, however I'm not sure yet if the top of the stack which is in the loft has been blocked off completely or left open.

    1. Should the top be blocked off or left open?

    2. If blocked off, what with and should it be ventilated?

    3. Is there anything else I need to do to prevent damp/condensation?

    Thanks

    Hard to guess what it is, but condensation is a reasonable guess. The chimney it is often an area with poor insulation where humidity in the air will condense. Your new area may just be somewhere else with poor insulation, for example glass wool in the loft is missing or compacted.

    Best option for condensation is to put less water in to the air. Try not to dry clothes inside, cook with lids on pans and when you have a bath open the window and keep the door closed until the water vapour is gone from the house.
  • almeida24
    almeida24 Posts: 80 Forumite
    edited 27 January 2012 at 10:05AM
    Ben84 wrote: »
    Hard to guess what it is, but condensation is a reasonable guess. The chimney it is often an area with poor insulation where humidity in the air will condense. Your new area may just be somewhere else with poor insulation, for example glass wool in the loft is missing or compacted.

    Best option for condensation is to put less water in to the air. Try not to dry clothes inside, cook with lids on pans and when you have a bath open the window and keep the door closed until the water vapour is gone from the house.

    Sorry I shouldn't have said "I live in" I should have said "I own" as I haven't actually moved in yet. Therefore, your suggestions I'll take on board for when I do move into the property. Do you think not being in the house could be a reason? No central heating on, no windows open etc? I do put the heating on but only when it looks as though it's going to be freezing to avoid the pipes freezing.

    Strange thing is that the latest damp patch has only appeared a couple of days ago but I've had the house about 15 months. That particular room was plastered in July.
  • I'll try and get some photos of the damp at the weekend to make it easier but any suggestions regarding ventilation are more than welcome. :)
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