While these are the most common ways to identify damp, one of the more difficult ones to spot is chimney damp.
Chimney damp usually displays signs similar to that of regular dampness – however the moisture will be isolated solely around the fireplace or chimneybreast. It is more common in chimneys that have been boarded up or see little to no use, as unused chimneys suffer from less ventilation and moisture can easily become trapped.
Even if your chimney has been capped, there is the potential for moisture to build up within the stack as it has nowhere to go once it has made its way inside.
Another factor is poorly completed building works that may have taken place in and around the chimney itself, with cracks appearing in brickwork or mortar and moisture entering through these spaces.
There is also the chance that the moisture contained within the chimney could spread to other parts of the property – when coal or wood is burned in a fireplace, a variety of chemicals are released and can stick to the chimney flue. These chemicals then absorb any moisture they come into contact with and this can spread throughout your home.
The first step to solving chimney damp is always to call in a specialist damp expert like Prokil, as our team will be able to give you a clear indication of what the issue is and what needs to be done to solve it. Contact Prokil Brighton today on 01273 258111.
