Damp smell coming from unused chimney

teepoo

Hi All,

There is a damp smell coming from my unused chimney - should I be concerned?

The chimney used to be completely sealed, however I have now removed the seal to allow for ventilation. Looking up the chimney I can see that there is no cover to keep the rain out. So I am thinking that the rain caused the damp smell.

Is rain coming down the chimney a problem for a well ventilated chimney?

Thanks,
Pete.

HugoSP

teepoo wrote: »

Hi All,

Is rain coming down the chimney a problem for a well ventilated chimney?

Thanks,
Pete.

Yes it is.

If you were using it then regular fires would keep the flu dry. However as it is unused there is no mechanism to keep it dry by heat or natural air circulation.

Your best option IMO is to put a mushroom or saddle vent on top of your chimney pot. This should be bedded down using a small amount of 4 to 1 sand cement mortar.

If you ever intend to use it again you must remember to remove the vent and fit a cowl suitable for the type of fuel you are burning. This even applies to gas. I usually fit eurocowls.