Dripping in chimney - what do I need to fix?

frankersBri · 12 May at 1:17PM

I hear a drip down one of my chimneys when it rains relatively heavily. No chimneys are in use, all bricked up with air vents. All of this was done before I bought the house a few years ago, so no idea what is in the flue.

Anyway, the dripping. I have no idea what to do about it. Do I need different cowls/fittings on top? Could it be the flashing or pointing? Would appreciate any ideas, struggling to get a roofer to come and take a look as potentially a small job.

Image: https://us-noi.v-cdn.net/6031891/uploads/editor/lf/l8fumw44za30.jpg

FreeBear · 12 May at 2:15PM

Have a look for a chimney specialist rather than a roofer - Start your search with HETAS as the subject line, and go from there. Or you could ask a chimney sweep for recommendations.

Flashing looks kinda OK, so I'd suspect the flaunching around the pots and possibly that gas(?) terminal.

stuart45 · 12 May at 2:24PM

The mortar joints look empty.

plumb1_2 · 12 May at 3:21PM

It could also be the benching on top needs redoing . A general roofer should be able to repair it.

frankersBri · 12 May at 3:54PM

Thanks all!
I've managed to get a chimney guy to come out on Monday, he's HETAS accredited. Hopefully he can identify the problem, or point me in the right direction.

If he can't, then the search for a general roofer to reply to a call or email enquiry continues!

I had to google what "benching" is - I've never heard that term, thanks for the sugestion.

stuart45 · 12 May at 4:05PM

You'll find benching in manholes. Look up flaunching. HETAS fitters are more to do with the installation of appliances, and not so much with penetrating damp problems.

FreeBear · 12 May at 4:26PM

Got a couple of HETAS registered firms around here that do more than just fit & service stoves. They do all sorts of chimney repairs too.

frankersBri · 16 May at 12:43PM

Chimney bloke came round yesterday, recommended by my colleague. He seemed nice. Put some silicone around one teracotta cowl, as theorised some water may run down the sides and ingress. One teracotta cowl was removed and a plastic capping cowl was put on.
He took photos and showed me them, said the benching didn't look to be the problem. Will see what happens next time it rains, but he said he'd come back if the problem wasn't fixed as he was confident it would be.

Dripping in chimney - what do I need to fix?

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