Fireplace hole in the all - brick up or plasterboard over it?

wisdenfan

Dear Forumites,

I would really appreciate your view on this matter. This post relates back to a question that I raised few weeks ago on this forum.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6282714/plastering-over-an-unused-fireplace-any-advice

So basically, I have this unused fireplace, which was boarded up using plywood board (or so I thought). Based on the suggestion from the forumites, I decided to – i) take out the fireplace wooden structure, ii) take out the plywood board, iii) put plasterboard over the hole on the wall (put a small vent at the bottom) and 4) plaster+paint it (see the picture below).

 

When I finally took out the wooden structure and the plywood board (and some really ugly and old wallpapers), I realized that the hole in the wall has already been bricked up in the past, leaving a very small hole (see the picture below):

 

Now I’m wondering, should I put a plasterboard over this hole or should I just completely brick it up and then plaster over it? Also, given that it is already bricked up, do I still need to put a small vent for air circulation?

Any advice on this will be highly appreciated.  

 

  

Doozergirl

You always need a vent.  The chimney has to be ventilated or you will end up with damp patches.  

FreeBear

Half a dozen bricks or a couple of Thermalite/Breeze blocks will do the job. Make sure the pot at the top of the flue has a vented cap on it. You will only need a couple of ~25mm holes into the (disused) fireplace. Don't put the holes right at the bottom just in case there is a build up of debris blocking the holes over time. 150mm from the floor (just above the skirting board) will be OK depending on how much rubble is in there already.