If you’ve noticed flaking paint, brown stains, or musty smells around your chimney breast, you’re not alone. Chimney areas are notorious for damp problems in older homes across Crewe and Cheshire. But the good news? They’re treatable — and preventable — with the right approach.
Why Does Damp Occur in Chimney Breasts?
Chimneys are natural moisture channels. Even when unused, they can draw in water through cracked pots, degraded flashings, or porous masonry. Old soot deposits can also trap moisture and lead to salts bleeding through your internal walls.
Without proper treatment, this can cause:
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Peeling wallpaper or bubbling paint
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Plaster damage and salt stains
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Persistent musty odours
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Loss of thermal performance
The Solution: Tanking + Breathable Plaster
At Weather Wise Solutions, we treat chimney damp at its source using a combination of tanking systems and breathable plaster finishes. This dual approach protects your walls while allowing residual moisture to escape safely.
Step 1: Chimney Breast Tanking
We install a damp-proof tanking membrane across affected chimney surfaces to create a physical barrier between the wall and interior finishes.
We use specialist systems supplied by PAM Ties, proven to hold back moisture and salts in challenging environments.
📌 Explore PAM Ties’ tanking systems: https://pamties.co.uk/product-category/damp/damp-proofing-damp/
Step 2: Breathable Replastering
Once tanked, the wall is re-plastered using a breathable, salt-resistant mix. This prevents future staining and ensures a healthy indoor environment.
Our plasterers apply a smooth, clean finish ready for decorating — without trapping hidden moisture.
Certified, Local Experts You Can Trust
We’re proud to be members of the Damp Proofing Association and the Federation of Damp, holding CPD qualifications in Dampness in Buildings.
📌 See our membership: https://www.dampproofingassociation.co.uk/
From Victorian terraces to post-war semis across Crewe and Nantwich, we’ve helped homeowners restore their chimney breasts with long-lasting, insurance-backed treatments.
Is It Time to Check Your Chimney?
If your chimney area feels damp, smells musty, or shows visible signs of damage — don’t wait until it worsens. We’ll inspect, explain, and recommend the right approach for your home.
📌 Book a Free Survey for your Home here: https://weatherwiseuk.co.uk/pages/contact
Let’s make your home warm, dry, and ready for decorating again — starting with your chimney breast.