Chimney breast possessed by the devil.

[Manks]

OK maybe its not, but it does have an eery oily patch that appears on the surface adjacent to a fine hunting print.

I have this evening wiped it off, but it will be back I fear.

The fireplace is unused and I am guessing that the problem is caused by trapped soot getting wet and leaking summat into the brickwork and plaster. But I don't know.

Can anyone shed any light on this problem please and perhaps suggest a cure? The fireplace is sealed up, so perhaps an air brick is in order?

Manks

 

[Penners]

If the chimney is sealed, a vent of some kind - top and bottom - is definitely in order. You really shouldn't have closed off, unventilated sections of a building like that. It's asking for problems.

Yes, your staining on the chimney could very well be tars leaching through from inside.

 

[Nemesis]

The cure is cow muck.

 

[Manks]

Orally?

 

[Nemesis]

I suspect so, if you don't wear a face mask.