Many homes have a chimney that has not been used for years. An unused chimney is not harmless: rain, birds and damp can all cause trouble if it is left open or sealed badly. There are a few sensible options, and the right one depends on what you want from the chimney and the room below.
Leave it, but cap it
A cap or cowl on the pot keeps rain and birds out while still letting air move through the flue. Ventilation is important because a sealed, unventilated flue can develop condensation and damp inside the chimney breast. A properly fitted ventilated cap is often the simplest and most economical solution for a chimney you might use again.
Seal the flue
Some people choose to seal the flue at the top and fit a vent lower down, to be sure there is still airflow. This needs to be done correctly or damp will build up. It is worth asking a professional how the flue and breast will be ventilated before deciding.
Take the stack down
If the chimney is in poor condition, you may prefer to remove part or all of it, from the roof upwards. This removes a source of maintenance and leaks. Taking a stack down means the roof around it has to be made good, and if the breast inside the house is also to be removed, the structure above needs proper support. Alterations like this can involve building regulations and, in terraces and semis, the party wall, so it must be planned carefully.
Reduce the height
A stack in poor condition above the roof can sometimes be reduced in height, capped and re-flashed. This can be a good compromise if you want to keep the look of the roofline.
We can look at your chimney and explain the choices. See our Chimney Repairs section or call 07766 547309.
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