sealing/blocking a chimney

ConfusedofYorkshire

We have just removed the old fire surround from our dining room. We are left with a brick fireplace.

The plan is to get the room plastered and put an electric fireplace in the hole.

We are going to block off the chimney, and thought this was meant to be done with an air brick. Someone also suggested a chimney sheep.

However, the plasterer has suggested sticking insulation stuff up it, and boarding it up and plastering over the top. And put a cap at the top of the chimney.

Does the plasterers suggestions make sense? I thought it was important to maintain ventilation, and so thought something like an air brick was essential to maintain air flow to avoid damp.

Can anyone help? Thank you.

muckybutt

Speaking as an Ex chimney sweep - First off get the chimney swept and cleaned as good as can possibly be done.

The fire place can be blocked off by what ever means you choose to use but ventilation to the chimney MUST be maintained otherwise you will get damp problems. The ventilation can be a small air brick or something like the soffit vents you can get from builders merchants etc.

You will also need a breather cap on the chimney pot, most sweeps will be able to fit those for you if you ask them when booking to get the chimney swept.

rustyboy21

Just make sure that the electric fire you choose is not too deep. If you block the opening up to flush with the wall, then you would need to use a spacer kit for the fire, which can make them look ugly.

Choose your fire, then get the work done. What he has said he wants to do seems to me to be fine. You will be letting air in to your flue, to ventilate it, but not letting rain in. Totally blocking up the flue without any ventialtion can cause damp issues further along .