Penetrating damp or salts where old fireplace was Damp can be a major issue in the home. Find answers to questions or post your own here.

[Splinters]

Been in our house for 25 years but moved to Thailand 3 years ago. Came back to find a tide mark around 6" high above skirting in the dining room where the old fireplace would have been (chimney breast removed upstairs and down) and damp patches around the size of a dinner plate in the bedroom directly above.
Chimney capping had broken away so we had both repointed, flashing reset and flaunching made good. Patches are still there. They get noticably worse after heavy rain. This is a semi and its on the wall between us and the neighbours. They also had their chimney breast out and say they haven't noticed damp, but they have fitted wardrobes so wouldn't really see if it were there.
Had suggestions for new flashing, remove chimney stack, new roof and getting a damp expert. Any ideas if this is likely to be salt damp patches or penetrating damp?

[stoneyboy]

Hi splinters,
If the external stack still exists this is most likely to be the source of water ingress.
Regards S

[Splinters]

I'm thinking the same. We have had dehumidifiers on for a day and all the damp patches have gone. Will wait for rain to see if they return.