



Is Damp Coming from My Chimney?
Leaky chimneys are a common source of penetrating damp in the roof of a property. Penetrating damp is especially dangerous in the roof due to the abundance of timber, which is at high risk of developing mould, wood-boring insects and wet and dry rot.
While damp anywhere in a property is unpleasant, damp in a roof can lead to severe structural issues and costly repairs, such as replacing rotten timber.
Here are some of the common causes of chimney damp and the signs to look out for.
Damp from leaking chimney flashing
Over time, these metal sheets can peel away from the roof or the caulk that forms a watertight seal around the sheets can become eroded. DIY attempts to fix flashing is likely to result in recurring leaks, so it’s best to leave it to a professional company who can offer a long term guarantee on the works.
Leaky flashing is the most common cause of chimney leaks and dampness, the symptoms of which are usually wet, discoloured or dripping roof timbers. If the roof has been converted, you may see the plaster sagging, bubbling or forming mould from the penetrating damp.
Damp from damaged chimney stack
Like any other brick wall, the chimney stack is vulnerable to decayed pointing and cracked bricks, which allow water to seep inside the brick and damage them through freeze and thaw.
Many chimneys have been repointed with concrete mortar, which damages the brickwork. Mortar should be soft and porous to allow movement in the structure and for the bricks to release moisture, otherwise you end up with wet, cracked bricks.
You can learn more about how decayed or low quality pointing can result in damp problems here.
A compromised chimney stack can result in roof leaks or penetrating damp. In severe cases, the structure of the chimney may be compromised, though this is very rare.
Damp from cracked chimney flaunching
Damp from damaged chimney pots or cowls
Chimney pots and cowls are designed to stop droughts and rainwater from entering the flues if the chimney is in use. If the chimney’s unused, the pots may be capped.
If these pots or cowls are damaged or missing, rainwater can trickle down the flues, which can lead to damp and increased moisture levels inside the property, increasing risk of condensation.
I Need a Carpenter Near Me
Finding a reliable carpenter in London is a challenge. Don’t waste time trawling through ads on Gumtree, give Environ a call for picture perfect carpentry from a family run London company. Whether...
A Guide to Section 20 for Freeholders and Landlords
What does Section 20 mean for freeholders, property managers and landlords? Section 20 doesn’t make a distinction between landlords, freeholders, Right to Manage Companies, Resident’s Management...
A Guide to Section 20 for Leaseholders
What does Section 20 mean for leaseholders? Section 20 considers freeholders, Resident’s Management Companies, Right to Manage Companies or any other property managers with freehold responsibilities...
Why Exterior Damp Proof Paint is Bad For Your Home
Damp proof paints and renders contain plastics which form a waterproof seal when applied to a wall. They’re ideal for modern buildings, but can have disastrous impacts on period properties. You may...
Should I Paint Over My Damp Walls?
One of the most common and costly DIY mistakes is trying to paint over walls or ceilings suffering from damp and mould. Before long, the paint is bubbly, peeling and mouldy again – your money wasted...
What is Lateral Damp?
Lateral damp is when groundwater penetrates sideways into a property through cracks or porous building materials. It can affect any floor which is in contact with soil, but is most common in...
What Causes Lateral Damp?
When soil presses against a wall that is cracked or made from porous materials, groundwater can seep through and saturate the wall, causing lateral damp. You’ve probably seen lateral damp on a small...
What is Penetrating Damp?
Penetrating damp is damp which has entered the property from the exterior or from leaking plumbing. This also known as water ingress. If water is entering a wall, floor or ceiling at a faster rate...
What Causes Penetrating Damp?
Do I have penetrating damp Penetrating damp is caused by water entering a wall, ceiling or floor from outside the building or from leaky plumbing. A wide variety of exterior defects can allow water...
You should have your chimney regularly inspected
This can be an especially nasty surprise for someone who’s about to sell a property, only to find its value significantly reduced by the need for expensive chimney and/or damp repairs.
It’s recommended that you have regular chimney inspections to catch any erosion, damage or leaks early on before they build up into more serious and costly problems.
If you have any concerns about the health of your chimney, feel free to get in touch with us by calling now or requesting your call back today.
How a leaking chimney causes damp issues
- Flashing (the metal sheets which cover the intersection between the chimney and the roof) can become damaged and allow water into roof.
- Brick chimney stacks can decay like any other wall, where damp can penetrate into worn pointing or shattered bricks.
- Chimney flaunching is the mortar or concrete that holds your chimney pots in place. This highly exposed material can wear down and become leaky.
- Missing or damaged chimney pots or cowls allow rainwater to trickle into the flues, which often goes unnoticed if the chimney is not in use.
- Damp from a leaky chimney can cause severe damp and rot in your roof timbers, leading to dangerous structural issues and costly repairs.