How do you damp proof a fireplace?

Apply a salt neutraliser and replaster For further protection in preventing condensation and damp forming in your chimney, you can also apply a damp proof membrane. These work by stopping moisture and salts from permeating into your wall.

How do you fix a damp chimney breast?

To overcome this problem, the traditional method of dealing with damp chimney breasts has been to hack off any salt-contaminated plaster and apply a cementitious waterproofing slurry such as Vandex BB75 to the affected chimney breast before a renovation plaster such as Dryzone Damp-Resistant Plaster is applied.

How do you treat a small patch of damp?

Another solution to cure damp on internal walls is to paint walls and ceilings with a mould resistant emulsion paint. The paint adds another damp-proofing element for internal walls agains condensation and helps to prevent unwanted mould growth. Another form of damp is penetrating damp.

What causes damp patches on ceilings?

A water stain or wet spot on ceilings is caused by excess moisture, most commonly in the form of a leak. There are many other causes though, such as: Broken or cracked windows. Upstairs toilets with clogged sinks, shower drains, and overflowing toilets.

Can soot cause damp?

Burning coal and wood releases tars and salts that then settle into the chimneys of older homes. When this process occurs over decades, it can cause unsightly chimney damp.

How do I get rid of damp in my ceiling?

The best way to remove mould from bathroom ceilings is to use a simple solution of warm water with detergent or a homemade cleaning solution of diluted bleach or white vinegar. Before you start cleaning the area, be sure to wear a protective mask and gloves so that you don’t touch or inhale the mould spores.

Why do I have damp patches on my walls?

Condensation forms when warm moist air within a room touches a cold internal wall or surface. It then cools rapidly and then condenses back into water. This condensation then sits on the internal wall’s surface and creates damp patches on the wall.

What does a damp patch on a wall look like?

The sudden appearance of a damp patch (that often looks like a brown stain) on the inside of an exterior wall, in the upper corners of a room, on a ceiling or near a chimney breast. How to fix this. Find out the source of the problem and make repairs to prevent further water ingress.

What to do if you have damp patch on ceiling?

The sudden appearance of a damp patch (that often looks like a brown stain) on the inside of an exterior wall, in the upper corners of a room, on a ceiling or near a chimney breast. Find out the source of the problem and make repairs to prevent further water ingress.

How can I ventilate a damp chimney breast?

You can ventilate a capped chimney by adding vented caps or cowls to your chimney pots or by adding a paving slab directly on top of your chimney stack – this will need to be raised by about 2 or 3 inches to allow air to circulate.

What’s the best way to replace an old mantel?

Start by removing the old wooden mantle. If you are lucky (?) and have an old house like us, it will be really easy to do. A few swings of a sledgehammer and the wood mantle was gone. See ya later! Once you have the old mantel off, it’s time to add the new one! This step will depend on how your old mantel was hung.

How is the best way to install a mantle?

Measure VERY carefully—you want the lag bolts from the brick and the holes in the wooden mantle to be lined up perfectly so the mantle can just slide into place. Of course, they measured perfectly and the brick bolts matched right up!

What to do about damp patches on outside walls?

Check all of your outside walls (using a decent pair of binoculars for the higher areas – these can be hired if necessary) for cracks in the mortar joints of your brickwork, chimney pots and chimney stack. If you do find any cracks or faults in your mortar then they will need repairing.

Why are there patches of damp on my Chimney?

Intensity of patches can vary with weather conditions; Patches gradually grow in size and intensity over a period of months or years; Can appear on any plastered surface; Harmless to human health; Very common on chimney breasts. Caused by contamination of the plaster with hygroscopic salts. The salts absorb moisture direct from the air.