DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Over the years I've had problems with ants under the hearth stone in the lounge of a 1930's semi. The flying sort usually appeared in the lounge around June. I've now sealed the chimney but I've noticed damp where the work was done 2 years ago. No Ants now but I fear they may have compromised the damp membrane under the hearth stone (solid concrete). The surrounding floor is suspension with floor boards - has anyone else come across this problem? Is there a solution?

Did you cap the chimney with a ventilated cap the keep the rain out when you sealed the chimney? Chimneys need airflow through them to prevent damp buildup so you also need a ventilator grill in the fireplace as well. At least this is what I understand to be the case. Even with a cap moisture can get into the chimney through the brickwork.

Re ants - I also get problems with ant swarming in the summer months getting into the house - I search for the cracks they are comming through and put down ant powder in the cracks - this gets carried back to the nest and hopefully kills it. I make a point of regularly checking for any signs of ant nests adjacent to the outside walls and treat them also - is amazing how far ants can penetrate under the house and suspended floors just makes it easier.

Mike

[quote="mikea"]Did you cap the chimney with a ventilated cap the keep the rain out when you sealed the chimney? Chimneys need airflow through them to prevent damp buildup so you also need a ventilator grill in the fireplace as well. At least this is what I understand to be the case. Even with a cap moisture can get into the chimney through the brickwork.
I did not do anything to cap the chimney or fit a vent - tho I think this is what I must do.
Re ants - I also get problems with ant swarming in the summer months getting into the house - I search for the cracks they are comming through and put down ant powder in the cracks - this gets carried back to the nest and hopefully kills it. I make a point of regularly checking for any signs of ant nests adjacent to the outside walls and treat them also - is amazing how far ants can penetrate under the house and suspended floors just makes it easier. I did get in a specialist firm (local council) to spray all around the outside of the house and around the fire (then a boiler was in behind the fire) the pilot light made a nice warm nest for the ants. This was removed two years ago. I thhink is was the soil built up by the ants (now hopefully) dead. Thank you for your suggestions with the vent.


Mike[/quote]