Smoke and party walls.... any advice?

Pumnp it fill of expanding foam, or take up smoking.

Many years ago living in a pre war semi built about 1932, I found that the fireplace in one virtually backed onto the fireplace in the adjoining semi. . Whilst there were separate chimneys ,if the neighbour lit a fire and I did not there was a smell of smoke. Likewise as the kitchens also had a fireplace cooking smells could be detected. one way or the other, Problem in the seal between the chimney breasts. So have you got a chimney. ? I had to put up with it until I could afford to move. Peter.

I have that problem too in my Victorian terrace - only a single brick party wall and as I peel back the plaster I'm finding big cracks here and there - and big holes above ceiling height - how well sealed is your loft hatch ?

The worst problem was the gut-churning "cacophony" of bathroom products that used to waft in from my other neighbours' bathroom window.

Any update on the "bathroom floor creosote" case I wonder ....

Jeremy

In the days when smoking was permitted on aircraft, the degree to which tobacco products managed to permeate the aluminium of the cabin was used as a quick visual indicator of hull integrity. If they get through solid aluminium, I suspect that old socks will not hold them back for long.

Colin Bignell

I live in a red sandstone flat built around 1900... we have just had new neighbors move in and they obviously smoke as we are having the same problem as you are now! We have an alcove in the corner of the front room, i suspect that the neighbor through the wall has an identical one of these. This is where the smoke is penetrating. My plan of action was to lift the floorboards around the alcove and seal any gaps with foam... though not too much foam! Great example of over using foam here...

In message , Cuprager writes

that or there are two stupid, canoeing chief research chemists that can't read instructions and warnings (although I suspect if this were the case, there would be a fairly rapid turnover of chief research chemists) Mind you, my friend's friend had to use an axe, not a kukri to cut himself out, so it might be true, what are the odds......

LOL!

I cant believe that you actually know someone who knows this person! Would you mind getting your friend to congratulate him as his story has amused myself and my colleagues for a while now!

Written by the one and only Peter "I love Sanoflos" Parry, a uk.d-i-y stalwart who will undoubtedly be along shortly.......

I never noticed the story here before! Its priceless, as is the crap crusher story!

I'd expect a party wall on a property of this age to be brick - and to form a fire break. And if smoke can come through, it isn't. There must be some bricks missing or failed mortar. And therefore not on exposed plastered walls. You'd need to look at the bare bricks - under floors or in the roof void, etc. Oh - and if smoking smells come through, so will others. Which might be as bad - or worse

I'll see your two and raise you a third definitely non-canoeing research chemist who can't read instructions and warnings on any substance more hazardous than dihydrogen monoxide. I guess it's an occupational hazard.