Removing chimney stack

[islandman]

Looking at some options.

Have an unused chimney that has some cracks in the rendering and seems to be allowing damp to penetrate into roof.

We could have it repaired but as it's unused -- correctly capped & sealed at base with some vent holes --- we think it would be best to have the stacked removed down to loft level and tile over above. Doing this removes the problem for good.

House is detached and stack is only smallish one.

Anything we should be aware of in doing this. A local builder has said it should be a straightforward job but will need scaffolding of course.

 

[karlosmaximos]

Ur builder is right,it is a small job,and depnding on the size of the stack should only take a day to do.

 

[islandman]

That's about what he said -- cheers.

Assuming the stack is removed down to loft 'floor' level, should the chimney be capped with a ventilator which would allow the disused flue to vent but clearly only into the loft space --- which is itself ventilated.

I would imagine it shouldn't be sealed at the top even though it's now enclosed in the roof space.

Thanks for any help here.

 

[Nige F]

Leave it open in the loft..but put small vent in fireplace if it`s sealed that end

 

[karlosmaximos]

I think the venting thing depends if the chimney is on an external wall or internal.I'd certainly consider capping with either an brick or something in it-it'll stop any crap falling down the flue and ending up in your fireplace.
If the chimney is on extarnal wall and you dont use the fireplace,i'd rather see the air bricks on the outside(top and bottom), that way any breeze blowing past will draw air out of the stack and keep the air circulating