Water trapped in Chimney?

eamon11

hello,

moved into a 30 yr old house which had been 5 yrs vacant. Chimney cap was broken and lots of leaks. the whole chimney was saturated. Lots of water seeping through blockwork in attic. I replaced cap, fixed leaks etc. Installed a stove using a double walled flexi liner all the way to top. Original clay flues were broken but I did not think htis would be important because of flexi. Back filled with vermiculite.That was 8 months ago.
The water still seeps through chimney blocks in attic! I do not believe there is any water getting in up top so I am very confused. Could there be water trapped inside still seeping out? After so long I thought it would all have come out. I am thinking about putting a de-humidifier up there for a temporary fix.
Ideas?

Thanks a lot

Carlow52

may have wrong sort of set up but check the flashing at roof-line, especially at back where water runs down slates and lashes against chimney

eamon11

thanks carlow,

thats been checked time and time again. Allso the blocks all around the base of the stack are dry(in attic) and moisture appears lower down.

Jimmy Garlic

eamon11 wrote: »

thanks carlow,

thats been checked time and time again. Allso the blocks all around the base of the stack are dry(in attic) and moisture appears lower down.

The moisture maybe seeping between the chimney pot and the chimney cap then seeping its way down between the flue and the block work until it finds a way out. You should check your chimney cap for cracks or gaps between the pot and the cap.

eamon11

thanks Jimmy,

as in OP I replaced cap,chimney pots, back filled, used waterproofer in top mix, used thompsons on chimney stack,used tec 7 around new chimney pot/flue, used more sealants at base of plaster and flashing.
Doed anyone know if in theory its possible to have water trapped in there for so long?

Thanks a lot lads

Paddy De Plasterer

Unlikely water is trapped still coming in. What about flue itself, is there a cap on it ? Ever look at a small basin left out in rain how quickly it fills with water ?

Carlow52

eamon11 wrote: »

thanks Jimmy,

as in OP I replaced cap,chimney pots, back filled, used waterproofer in top mix, used thompsons on chimney stack,used tec 7 around new chimney pot/flue, used more sealants at base of plaster and flashing.
Doed anyone know if in theory its possible to have water trapped in there for so long?

Thanks a lot lads

I dont know whether the Tec 7 would stand the heat:

I think its getting in between the new and old flue or else old flue and edge of cap and flowing down.

Is there a decent slope on the cap away from the flue all the way around?

The paradox with the liner is that the chimney wont dry as much from the fire as it would if unlined: I have a leak in mine but keeping it at bay for this winter with good fires?:)

eamon11

thanks carlow,

all new. great slope. thompsons used after finished. waterproofer used during.. Just to be sure I cemented in only on top recently space between flexi liner and clay flue(also new). New cap.
I should take a photo next and post it here. I had a so called "expert" out a few days ago who when he heard I would not be doig anything with the insurance could not find the door fast enough! From quoting me 7000 euro for a 100 different things he was going to do,he mentioned later that all I had to do was put in a dehumidifier. And that he had seen chimneys retain moisture for a very long time. Somehow I dont really trust him!

Jimmy Garlic

Maybe it will work itself out, it is a bit of a mystery. When did you first notice it?, before or after all the heavy rain?.

eamon11

thanks Jimmy,

it was there when I moved in 8 months ago. But cap was broken and half lifted off so I know there must have been a serious amount of water inside already.It was 5 yrs that way. But I would have thought it would all be out by now.

Jimmy Garlic

eamon11 wrote: »

thanks Jimmy,

it was there when I moved in 8 months ago. But cap was broken and half lifted off so I know there must have been a serious amount of water inside already.It was 5 yrs that way. But I would have thought it would all be out by now.

You have done the work, there is no obvious reason for continuation. I bet it will be dry or nearly dry come March, leave it settle.