How to fix a damp chimney

As chimney stacks are open to the elements, they are particularly vulnerable to an assortment of damp problems, including condensation and salt contamination. As such, your approach to fixing the damp in your chimney will vary depending on the specific cause.

What causes damp in chimneys?

Condensation

Condensation-related damp problems are most likely to occur in chimneys that are still in use, as burning fuel, especially wet fuel like wood kept outdoors, releases water vapour into the flue. If your chimney hasn’t been cleaned properly and has become blocked, then condensation can build up within the flue and begin to appear on the surface of your chimney breast.

A flue liner is usually the recommended solution for remedying a condensation problem in your chimney. If you require further guidance, our damp experts will be able to recommend the most effective method for solving condensation in your chimney.

Rain penetration

If your chimney is uncapped, then there is nothing preventing rain water from penetrating your flue and causing potential damp problems. Rainwater can also find its way into your home through defective flashings or flaunching, or through the wall of the chimney stack itself.

If you believe that your chimney has a potential leak, our team of damp specialists will be able to isolate the cause the suggest corrective measures. Contact us today on 01202 737739.

Salt contamination

Salt contamination is a common problem in older chimneys. This is because the process of burning coal and wood releases salt minerals such as nitrates, sulphates and chlorides into your flue. These salt minerals can then migrate through rendering and into your wall plaster.

The problem with these hygroscopic salts is that they absorb moisture from the air, causing damp patches to appear on the surface of your chimney breast. Unfortunately, once hygroscopic salts are present within your plaster, the only solution is to remove and replace the existing plaster to solve the problem. Our team has extensive experience solving damp problems related to salt contamination in chimneys and will be able to offer the best solution and service.

If you are experiencing a chimney-related damp problem in Dorset or Hampshire, don’t hesitate to contact our team of damp experts. We will isolate the source of the damp and suggest a cost-effective and long-lasting solution! 

If you are experiencing a chimney-related damp problem in Dorset or Hampshire, don’t hesitate to contact our team of damp experts. We will isolate the source of the damp and suggest a cost-effective and long-lasting solution!