We've just had an offer accepted on a period conversion and the survey came back informing us there is a damp staining on the chimney breast in the front bedroom (loft conversion - it's a first and second floor flat). This is due to the disused flue not being ventilated and no ventilating cap provided to the chimney stack. So my question is, can this be ventilated easily and what kind of cost will it be?
Category: Loft Conversion Expert , Posted by: Adam Daniel Jones Lee , On: April 1, 2014 10:51
Very easily but cutting in a sliding vent into your flat, the only problem may be getting to the bottom of the chimney to do the same to create a flow of air,
A top cap and chimney service would also be a good idea, cracks in the top cap and around the chimneys base allow water to penetrate in the first place. any pointing that needs doing should be done at the same time.
Cost is always spectatory just contact a local tradesman most quote for free
Posted by: Wade and Son Builders, On: 2014-17-11 14:36
Hi, Thanks for the enquiry.
Very easy solution to get airflow into the disused chimney stack. A cheap vent from B & Q will do the trick & removing one brick from the centre of the stack at first floor level & a cap on the stack. Probs £300-500 all in
Cheers
Milltown Lofts
Posted by: Milltown loft conversions, On: 2014-30-10 23:13
This all depends on how the flue was capped. It may be a case of any of the following
The chimney head coping has been re- pored In this instance there shall be no pot. It would require the installation of a new pot with a cowl fitted to the top allowing only a trickle ventilation to the flue.
The chimney pot has been sealed at the top( not allowing air in) the cap would need removed and either a clay terminal or a vent cowl installed.
Both of these are easily completed and if properly vented do not require a vent from the room into the chimney flue.
Thanks
John
Posted by: JB Building Services, On: 2014-29-10 18:18
Hi Mrs Lee, Without surveying the issue it is a difficult one to answer and as I am in Poole, Dorset, London does come into my work areas.
However your comments about ventilating the flue are correct which involves a top flue cowl and ventilation to first and second floors stack otherwise condensation will cause a bleed of accrued combusted materials to permeate the stack.
This is not an expensive process, it requires a roofer to fit a cowl to top of stack and a competent builder for the first and second floor vents. The alternative is to strike the entire stack which would be a lot more expensive. Hope this helps, Regards, David
Posted by: At Your Service, On: 2014-01-10 10:52
