Rebuilding Chimneys - Lead trays

[thebadger7]

Hi all

What are folks views on using lead trays for chimney rebuilds? We're getting chimneys rebuilt as part of replacing roof, as have bad damp in attic rooms chimney breasts.

I've spoken with a couple of seemingly competent firms who advocate for them, but I've seen some pretty strong views suggesting to avoid in old properties as they introduce a point of weakness. I really can't get my head around that, given they're used as standard these days and it's not like chimneys are falling down.

My worry is that using old bricks, lime and no lead tray might have been OK back in the day when fires were lit every day, but without regular use will lead to damp problems. If I'm going to completely rebuild from roofline, I'm leaning towards using the modern approach given it doesn't need to breathe like the rest of the property.

Any thoughts appreciated

Thanks

 

[alexander]

your chimney flues still need vented even when not in use, the soot in the chimney flues will attract condensation created from heat escape in the property without ventilation

 

[thebadger7]

Yes, we'll be doing that (the other chimney is vented and has same damp issues so think the main source is penetrating damp)

 

[stuart45]

Lead trays are a slip plane, as is a DPC on a wall, but they aren't a issue for chimney stacks. In the old days, the flues were in use most of the day during the damp seasons, so weren't as essential.