Damp Problem Coming Through Blocked off Fireplace and Wooden Floor Damp can be a major issue in the home. Find answers to questions or post your own here.

[sammyez]

I would appreciate and advice regarding penetrating damp coming through a blocked off fireplace / side walls and through suspended wooden floor.

The previous owners had blocked off the chimney / fireplace and not put in any vents (either internal or external) Also, they had tarmacked the path running adjacent to the chimney. The ground level is now half way up the blue bricks and partially covers the air bricks (its a 1939 property)

We have now tried to make some vent holes internally with a view to putting an internal 'hit and miss' vent however, we have hit concrete once we penetrated through the plaster and brick wall. If breeze blocks have been used to block off the fireplace, would it be wise to put in an external air brick to the chimney to get ventilation to the stack?

Also, are we wise to get the tarmac path removed and replace with a lower ground level path with gravel?

I would appreciate any help and advice ?

Thanks.

[welsh brickie]

its best to vent it internally and externally, if the ground level is high outside it needs reducing

[sammyez]

Thanks for the reply. We have tried to drill into the fireplace and hit what could be concrete. Will be opening up further to put in a vent. If a external vent is put in, woukd this cause a draught into the room?

Also, if water has been getting into the sub floor, would the suspended wooden floor need to come up (ie would there we a risk of dry rot? and it contuning to spread?