Chimney problem

Angela_Miller

Hi everyone,

I moved into an older house and have a gas fire with a brick surround and hearth on the chimney breast. We wish to get this removed (gas has now been capped off), and the hole where the fire was to be boarded up and plastered so we can fit a flat back electric fire suite. There is air flow in the chimney breast, as when it's windy can hear it, but do not hear rain entering. At the top of the chimney there is a metal circular device with a domed roof.

I had a quote from a chimney specialist who said they would do the following work for £900.
We propose to:
1 x removal of gas fire (Gas already capped)
1 x Removal of brickwork surrounding fireplace and leveling of wall ready for plastering
1 x Chimney swept
1 x removal of lining
1 x Elephants foot at top of chimney
Customer to arranger plasterer to complete plasterwork to wall

I am worried that if they board off the chimney, without any air vents there will be mould growing on my newly plastered walls and chimney breast. I have a joiner coming in this week to remove the fireplace, surround and hearth and to board it up (not block it off) so that it is flush with the chimney breast.

Will I need to install a vent, and if so where is the beat possible place? If it is boarded up without air flow will this cause problems in the future. I will have a flat back fire surround so in theory the vent will be blocked anyway.

Any advice would be welcome.

Thanks,
A