Damp patch / removing top room chimney breast

Question

Hi there
I have a persistent damp patch directly in the middle of the chimney breast in a third floor bedroom of my old 1905 house. We have had lots of roof work done and lots of roofers come and go, not having a definite answer as to why it's there. We have since had the stack removed under the tile line but the patch is still there. There are no obvious leaks and we've had ridge tiles pointed, re-tiled the full area around it, and bricks sealed (amongst other things) and spent a lot of time and money we don't have and still it comes back a few hours after it has rained. We are thinking of removing the chimney breast now entirely from that room in the hope that sorts it. As the stack is gone, is this a relatively straight forward job? How much would I expect to pay? Alternatively, does anyone know why/how this moisture is getting in and going to the centre of the chimney breast?!
Thanks!

Martin · Answer

Your stack should have a vent inside on wall so that it is vented properly allowing adequate ventilation to stop condensation

Shaun · Answer

Hi there is it a old patch that is there before the work was done

Dean · Answer

Hi, a chimney breast is internally built like a pyramid with headers, these are built into your external wall, and if rain water is seeping through the pointing it can cause this problem,so I would check for any gaps or cracks on the external wall, and the average price for chimney breast removal, bedroom and attick space is between £1200 and £1600 ,

John · Answer

More details reqd really, is the stack shared or completely separate? If not shared the problem will most likely be lack of through ventilation.

Sammy · Answer

Is there any ventilation in the old chimney breast

Michael · Answer

A few questions for you to ask yourself 
The chimney that you took down below your roof line did you cap it in the loft ? 
The chimney Breast you’re thinking of removing Is it ventilated ? 
Before considering removing it check out those couple of points , more often then not its a cold condensation point 
Is it an oily damp patch when you touch it or just a damp patch ? 
Regards mike

Ashley · Answer

Hi!

Thought I would offer a little insight for you as this was the first email I saw this morning.

First things first is it definitely a damp patch? It could be a stain, solution or fluid which has got into the plaster?

If it shrinks and grows over time, and with differing heat levels then the chances are it is damp. However, damp doesn't necessarily always descent, and can come up through the stack.
I've seen pipes which a gradual drip soaking into walls over time causing damp patches.

I would imagine your best course of action, if you haven't done it already is to have an inspection with a cable camera, or visual if the chimney stack itself is big enough (or accessible if not capped).

Other means of ingress are through the roof, it doesn't always come in via the  local area and can sometimes 'track' across joists and battens, especially under snow load etc., and this could be cause by unlevel rafters which are common amongst old properties.

Have a nice day.

Adam · Answer

Because it is damp up there u need a roofer to have a look at it

Andy · Answer

If rainwater penetrates the mortar, it can result in this issue. Thus, I'd suggest examining the exterior wall for any openings or fissures. The typical cost for removing a chimney breast in a bedroom or attic ranges from £1200 to £1600. Since there's dampness present, it's essential to have a roofer inspect it. The cause is likely condensation within the chimney, possibly due to inadequate venting of the flue

Vernon · Answer

Hi, this is caused by condensation in the stack, most likely because the flue is not vented

Damp patch / removing top room chimney breast

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