Dampness in Chimney

Hashbrown

Anyone recommend a good builder or maybe a roofer in the New Ross/Campile area of Wexford. Having a major problem with damp areas around the chimney breast both sides, and at the on the wall the far side of this area that is the front hall. It would appear to be some sort of a leak either water coming down the chimney flue or some leak in that area of roof and chimney itself. I have had a look around the area in the attic but no signs of dampness is visible to me as far as I can see. I am guessing the water is coming in at the top of the chimney were the flue comes out, that the mortar seal between the flue and chimney was not done right and the rain is coming in on the inside of the flue but that’s just a guess. I really need to get this sorted not from the area so don’t know any thrust wordy builders around .
If you can recommend me anyone please PM me thanks.

RKQ

Do you have a brick chimney?
Is there a metal tray dpc installed?
Sounds like water penetration at chimney / roof junction.
Will PM name of a good roofer.

Hashbrown

The top area of the chimney has a brick surround as per picture, as regards the tray/dpc i dont know.

Thanks RKQ

RKQ

Sent you a PM.
Heres a sketch of a metal dpc - Homebond.

Attachment not found.

Chimney looks good. Maybe a problem with lead at back of chimney. That small amount of brickwork is unlikely to let a huge amount of water in.

Cheapest solution would be to bruch brick with Ronseal Water Seal. See if theres any improvement.

Avns1s

Hashbrown wrote: »

Anyone recommend a good builder or maybe a roofer in the New Ross/Campile area of Wexford. Having a major problem with damp areas around the chimney breast both sides, and at the on the wall the far side of this area that is the front hall. It would appear to be some sort of a leak either water coming down the chimney flue or some leak in that area of roof and chimney itself. I have had a look around the area in the attic but no signs of dampness is visible to me as far as I can see. I am guessing the water is coming in at the top of the chimney were the flue comes out, that the mortar seal between the flue and chimney was not done right and the rain is coming in on the inside of the flue but that’s just a guess. I really need to get this sorted not from the area so don’t know any thrust wordy builders around .
If you can recommend me anyone please PM me thanks.

I had a similar problem in a new house with a similar chimney. I notice you have the roughish finished plaster as I do. This seems to soak the water into the chimney.

Well after a couple of visits by the roofer checking the lead and the slates etc, the builder had an idea that it was the plaster. He mentioned sealing the plaster with somehting like Thompsons Water Seal. I went ahead and did this myself and have had no problem since, and that leak was over two years ago.

In my case, you couldn't see any damp in the attic but it came out through the chimney breast in the upstairs bedroom.

You can brush the water seal on or you can do as I did, ..... put it into one of those pump up sprayers and give a couple of very liberal coats!

I'd try this anyway before calling out a builder or roofer assuming you can do it yourself. The water seal costs something like €16 per gallon (from distant memory!!) and one can will be more than ample.

Hope it helps.

Hashbrown

Thanks for all the advice. RKQ I might give your guy a call even though he is a bit away. Not a lover of heights so this is not a DIY job. Avns1s your problem does seem similar i attached a pic of the water damage after we had it sanded down and dry not a pretty site!. its not as bad on the hall wall but lower down just above a Rad.
Thanks again.

rayman1

I know this is years ago but I have a similar chimney and damp problem.
I am not too far away from you in Waterford City.
Did you manage to resolve it?

BryanF

grave digging