Wall papering/ old unused flue

[More Amps]

Best practice is to have a vent to allow air movement and help keep the chimney dry - and some people would say put a chinese hat on top of the chimney but I think thats a bit ott.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

I'd have a look in the loft...if you can block off the top end then I don't think you really need a vent?

Depends how old the house is...1960s might have an asbestos liner.

 

[Kram]

I dont want to touch the loft flue, pain to get at. 1970's build so should be ok if I did need to.

I think it has a chinese hat.

So I will be plasterboard + skimming it. Should I put a small vent grill to allow air movement?

 

[More Amps]

If you have a chinese hat, that will stop any rain coming down the chimney. However you also have to consider the state of the chimney stack - how well it has been built, the state of the brickwork, mortar, method of sealing against the roof etc...they can all allow water/damp into the stack which can eventually follow gravity and appear through the internal walls. You could always fit a hit-and-miss type vent if you're worried about cold draughts coming into the room. I'm not up on current building regs, but wouldn't be surprised if it's at least recommended.

 

[gaz1]

I dont want to touch the loft flue, pain to get at. 1970's build so should be ok if I did need to.

I think it has a chinese hat.

So I will be plasterboard + skimming it. Should I put a small vent grill to allow air movement?

if you want to fit a small one then you can do just buy a small vent

Map Vent Adjustable Vent White 100mm x 100mm - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Adjustable ceiling diffuser vent made from strong ABS plastic and connects to 100mm diameter pipework. Ideal for extracting air from a room. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

its ample enough and if need be your hand can fit in it

Map Vent Adjustable Vent White 229 x 76mm

Order online at Screwfix.com. Designed to fully cover single brick Aperture. Adjustable flyscreen helps protect from bugs, dust and allergens. Suitable for use in most areas, including larders, cupboards and wardrobes. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 5 minutes.

www.screwfix.com

either one will do

 

[Keithmac]

I put a vent on ours when we boarded the chimney.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

The problem with vents is they cause draughts....I didn't bother in our house (1930s) but I did fit hats on the chimneys...that was over 10 years ago and had no problems.

 

[Kram]

Decided not to bother with vents at the moment. I can always apply a holesaw and screw one on afterwards!
I have properly cocked up my "repair". Moved the wood supports further back to get plasterboard in. As its moisture resistant board, Im supposed to use "Bond it" as a primer. I used SBR.

My bag of BG "multifinish" plaster says to apply in two, 1mm layers. Cock. I have about 5-15mm gap to make up! Should I buy another bag of the correct stuff?
I dont know if it will like the gaps but I have some joint tape I can put on.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

You could just use bonding and bring it flush to the top surface....then just fine filler over the bonding... sand it...after paint nobody will notice.

I think no vent is the way I would have gone too....my chimneys are boarded and never had any problems. Used to have vents when I bought the place but just losses too much heat I think...I did fit pot hats as a precaution but reckon the gas flu is likely pretty small vs a proper chimney.

 

[Hitch]

Quickest way to get rid of the plugs is just drill them down half an inch below the surface - avoids a large chunk of plaster coming off the wall.

I normally hit them in a bit with a ball pein.