Advice please: chimney full of rubble

[Rhep90]

I have just moved into a mid-terrace Victorian house (6months ago) that has two chimneys that aren’t being used. Both chimneys are completely blocked internally with what looks like absolute building rubbish - loose broken bricks and bits of wood. There are no signs of rising damp or anything like that, but I’ve noticed some soot is dropping through to the floor. The brick/rubble mix that’s blocking the chimneys looks quite fixed - they’re wedged in quite tight. Is this an immediate concern? Do I need to get the chimneys unblocked to prevent damp? This wasn’t flagged in our level 3 survey so haven’t thought to question it until now…

 

[Lacan07]

I have just moved into a mid-terrace Victorian house (6months ago) that has two chimneys that aren’t being used. Both chimneys are completely blocked internally with what looks like absolute building rubbish - loose broken bricks and bits of wood. There are no signs of rising damp or anything like that, but I’ve noticed some soot is dropping through to the floor. The brick/rubble mix that’s blocking the chimneys looks quite fixed - they’re wedged in quite tight. Is this an immediate concern? Do I need to get the chimneys unblocked to prevent damp? This wasn’t flagged in our level 3 survey so haven’t thought to question it until now…

I assume you removed the front of the fireplace to reveal the rubble? It was standard practice to block the chimney up with rubble before covering, either hidden or with an ornate fireplace. It's not an issue but some people choose to clear the rubble out and open up the chimney for ventilation, and in the winter you shove some pillows up there for insulation.

If there's a lot of soot coming down you might want to get it swept if you choose to remove the rubble.

 

[mardinor]

As Lacan says, totally normal. If you open it up, instead of pillows (which can go mouldy) I'd recommend Chimney Sheep (look them up). Not expensive, fit well, give insulation and ventilation and easy to remove. I've fitted them for a couple of years and work well.

 

[Cassie]

I’m a big believer in the ventilating properties of chimneys-part of the fabric of the house. I’d unblock and sweep, and see if they are in good condition. If you don’t want fires, you can block the draft as above but fires are great for keeping the air circulating and the house warm (appreciate that not everyone can have one or wants one!)

 

[Rhep90]

Thank you all this is super helpful advice!

 

[mardinor]

I’m a big believer in the ventilating properties of chimneys-part of the fabric of the house. I’d unblock and sweep, and see if they are in good condition. If you don’t want fires, you can block the draft as above but fires are great for keeping the air circulating and the house warm (appreciate that not everyone can have one or wants one!)

Ooh, great point. I know this is a subversive view these days, but I absolutely adore the fresh air from an open chimney. Bugger the heating costs and eco-delusion, oxygen wakes your brain and makes you feel alive. I just cannot live in a vacuum-sealed airtight box, heated to 21 degrees. Give me fresh air, 17 degrees and a jumper any day.

 

[Lacan07]

Ooh, great point. I know this is a subversive view these days, but I absolutely adore the fresh air from an open chimney. Bugger the heating costs and eco-delusion, oxygen wakes your brain and makes you feel alive. I just cannot live in a vacuum-sealed airtight box, heated to 21 degrees. Give me fresh air, 17 degrees and a jumper any day.

You would have loved the house i was lodging in last year, the landlady kept the thermo at 16!