Damp inside chimney breast

[Anonymous]

We've just moved into our first house it's an old terraced house built in 1823, it was formally the end terrace but a new house has been built on the end. Our house is not attached to it as there is a 4 inch gap between the houses, but it is closed off on top and on both sides to appear as though it is part of the terrace. The issue we have is the chimney stack has been removed from the upstairs bedroom but keep in the downstairs lounge. It smells like damp is forming inside the chimney stack in the lounge which is blocked off at the top and bottom with plywood. The wall inside the chimney is a external wall which is linked to the new next door neighbours house, this is exposed cold brick so when the hot air from inside hits it creating condensation and damp. How can I solve this problem of removing the damp in my chimney stack? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Anonymous]

The usual cause of damp in a chimney is a lack of ventilation. When a stack is sealed a vent should be placed top and bottom to enable this. Once in a chimney damp is very difficult to remove (especialy as you are unable to light a fire to warm it up). You could try venting to chimney, although at this stage you may find the musty smell a bit strong.



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