I now have a professionally erected scaffold platform round a relatively inaccessible chimney. Visible damp on the internal plaster and obvious pointing defects plus a nagging wife, should you ask why.
I have followed the threads on *closed off* chimneys and accept the need for ventilation at both ends but.... how much?
There are three openings of around 16" x 14". Two have been covered in slate with a single modern engineering brick (pierced) set on edge for air and the third is still open. The construction is soft red brick so I am not happy that any water shed by the slate is free to soak into the structure.
One possibility is to open up all three chimneys and fit a steel canopy; shedding rainwater clear of the brick. I will have to re-do the lead flashing anyway so splash may not be an issue. At over 4'6" x 2.0' this is going to need some serious securing, perhaps by strapping down inside the flues?
Having re-opened the flues, what is the minimum I can get away with as a vent at the old fire entry?
Any thoughts welcomed.
regards