Damp carpet next to chimney breast

[Jon Read]

Hi everyone,
I have just stumbled across this very helpful site while looking for some info on this damp I have just discovered in my flat and would be extremely grateful for any advice members could give. Its interesting that I have never had damp carpet with thick mould in ten years i have owned the flat which is in a century old house conversion. Its a strip of carpet 3 feet long but 2 or 3 inches wide and underneath is the old cement and tile hearth. The wall isn't mouldy or damp though.( i suspect it might be a water resistant plaster) Its a bricked up fireplace but I notice there is no vent at all and was wondering if installing one might help although it hasn't been a problem up till now. I have read the relevant posts and you can see there are quite a few problems associated with chimneys which cause concern as they seem difficult to resolve. Perhaps someone has had, or is having, a similar problem . I would appreciate your suggestions ,
Thanks , Jon

[ultimatehandyman]

Hi Jon,

It sounds like it could be coming up through the floor.

Do you have a damp meter to test the chimney and floors as it will tell you which bit is damp. You can pick a cheap on up for a few quid from most DIY shops

[izalarfin]

Is there a vented cap on the chimney to stop the rain coming down.

[Jon Read]

Ciao, Yes it seems to be where the fireplace was bricked up , not all along the chimney breast but I have checked and there is no sign of a chimney stack outside so perhaps it was removed when the building was converted. There is now an attic flat where it would have been.Its difficult to see how moisture could be getting in the flue as the wall pointing looks good. A damp meter might give some indication. The wall there, which is papered, certainly doesn't appear damp and i wonder if there would be much point in putting in a vent , unless i put one on the outside wall as well! Thank you both for your replies