Can I block the hole left by the tradesmen when they removed my back boiler??

[the-richards]

Hi,

We recently had our nasty fire and back boiler removed and the tradesman who did it filled the hole in the chimney breast with breezeblocks and plastered over it.
He has left a small hole in the bottom which he informed us was a breather brick and must be left.

We no longer wish to have our electric fire in our living room so am I ok to remove the fire, block the hole in the wall and re-plaster properly?
He didn't actually give a reason when he left it there.
Thought I'd better ask someone before I just go ahead and do it and then my chimney caves in or something?

I'm guessing it might have something to do with damp. If so, is there a way around it?

Thanks

[richtee]

Hi, an un-used chimney normally has to have a vent to allow air to enter the chimney to prevent damp build up, as you guessed- put a plastic grill (about 6inch by 4 inch) over it would be best solution.

[gucciman]

if the chimneys to be left unused usually a pepper pot is put on top of the chimney to prevent rain water getting in and a small vent left at the bottom to allow air to circulate up the chimney stack to prevent damp.

[tezestwing]

Hi if the chimney is on a gable end you could put a low level standard size 10 x 4 approx air brick through from the outside maybe. if you have a cavity though you will need to duct across and seal round through to the back of the chimney void. other possibles are ducting from exterior could be a big job though hth Tez