Damp and Structural Problems, South Wales

Property Description

The property was a brick built dormer bungalow. The client had had a solid fuel stove installed in the sitting room with a stainless steel flue liner. The flue had damp and structural problems.

Problem

Although the solid fuel stove had been fitted, and the flue had been lined with a stainless steel flue liner, since the installation damp had appeared in the chimney breast above the fireplace. This had damaged the decorations. However before redecorating the client wanted advice on the possible source of the damp.

Solution

Turner Baker Ltd visited the site and carried out a visual inspection of the chimney stack. The client was then advised that the probable source of the damp was the poor condition of the brickwork at the head of the chimney stack, and the eroded pointing lower down.

Methodology

Turner Baker Ltd arranged for a scaffolding contractor to erect a scaffold to the chimney stack that allowed Turner Baker Ltd  to remove the existing soldier bricks at the head of the stack and re-lay them. The chimney pot was re-set and then flaunched into place. The remainder of the brickwork on the chimney stack was raked out and re-pointed to leave a strong, weatherproof chimney stack.