Solving Mystery of Splotchy Chimney Breast

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the issue of a splotchy chimney breast that has developed dandruff-like deposits. Participants explore potential causes, treatments, and the nature of the problem, with references to both practical and humorous interpretations. The scope includes conceptual understanding, exploratory reasoning, and some technical suggestions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the splotchy appearance and dandruff-like spouting from the chimney breast, expressing confusion about the cause and potential remedies.
  • Another participant questions the terminology used, indicating a lack of familiarity with the term "chimney breast" and suggesting it might be referred to differently in their region.
  • Some participants humorously speculate about the nature of the issue, with one suggesting it could be related to demonic possession, while others joke about the terminology and meanings.
  • A participant proposes that the issue might be related to water damage, suggesting that white powdery deposits could indicate moisture problems, and recommends a professional chimney inspection.
  • There is mention of potential roof leaks contributing to the problem, with suggestions to check for issues with flashing and exposed nails.
  • Another participant humorously dismisses practical explanations in favor of more whimsical interpretations of the problem.
  • One participant expresses intent to have a chimney professional inspect the chimney based on the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the cause of the splotchy chimney breast. Multiple competing views and interpretations remain, with some leaning towards practical explanations while others engage in humorous speculation.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the nature of the deposits and the condition of the chimney. The discussion includes varying levels of familiarity with terminology and potential causes, which may affect interpretations.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals dealing with similar issues related to home maintenance, particularly concerning chimney health and potential moisture problems, may find the discussion relevant.

wolram
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It started going all splotchy a few months ago and now the splotches are spouting dandruff, it does not feel wet so i am baffled, if it was the paint
there would be none left by now, i thought it might be some sort of mould
like i had in the bath room only that was greeny blue and i killed that with detol, i tried detol on the chimney breast with no result, so i thought i could try sealing it, i tried a patch that is out of sight, that has not worked either, all though i am not sure if hair spray is the right stuff to use, i just so do not want to re decorate as i am not very good it, does anyone have an idea as to what this and how to cure it?
 
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I have no idea what a chimney breast is. I'm sure it must be called something else here.
 
is that rhyming slang for chest? :eek: :confused:
 
Math Is Hard said:
is that rhyming slang for chest? :eek: :confused:

Well it is not my chimney booby:smile: it is the bit of wall that sticks out over a fire place, may be that's why we call it a breast cause it sticks out.
any way back to the dandruffy blotches, any ideas?
 
oh, ok. I don't have any ideas but I think that might be what I think of as a "mantle".
 
Math Is Hard said:
oh, ok. I don't have any ideas but I think that might be what I think of as a "mantle".

Noo, that's a male turttle, or a fishy type ray.
 
wolram said:
Noo, that's a male turttle, or a fishy type ray.
:smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile:
 
Maybe you're being taken over by lichens. Is it a stony mantle or wood?
 
Danger said:
Maybe you're being taken over by lichens. Is it a stony mantle or wood?

It is plastered brick Danger.
 
  • #10
Hmm... probably not lichens then; they live on rock.
 
  • #11
Danger said:
Hmm... probably not lichens then; they live on rock.

I have a wooden rail that is about 4 ft up a what are youmcallit ------------
a dido rail, that gets cover from the fall out from the splotches, i am just glad the splotches are not red.
 
  • #12
This is sounding a bit stranger all the time. Can you post some photos?

Anyhow, got to go for now. Jerry Doucette is playing at our local pub, and the doors opened 15 minutes ago. :biggrin:
 
  • #13
wolram said:
blah blah blah

I though it was going to be another bird thread, y'know "purple billed chimney breast" or something.
 
  • #14
Chi Meson said:
I though it was going to be another bird thread, y'know "purple billed chimney breast" or something.

No it is more a bleeding icon inquirey only the icon is my wall and it is not bleeding it has dandruff blotches.
 
  • #15
What IS it with your chimney?
 
  • #16
Chi Meson said:
What IS it with your chimney?
It's sounding more and more like demonic possession to me. I suggest spraying the chimney with holy water.
 
  • #17
Evo said:
It's sounding more and more like demonic possession to me. I suggest spraying the chimney with holy water.
Using a scrub and soap as well won't hurt, either..
 
  • #18
arildno said:
Using a scrub and soap as well won't hurt, either..
Unless it's true demonic possession. You've seen it, blood appears (or green slime), the person washes it off, next day it's back. :bugeye:
 
  • #19
Evo said:
Unless it's true demonic possession. You've seen it, blood appears (or green slime), the person washes it off, next day it's back. :bugeye:
Not sure about that.
Haven't you heard how difficult it was for the Canterville Ghost to replace the blood stains the inimical Americans kept removing?

In a final act of desperation, he had to use GREEN paint!
 
  • #20
arildno said:
Not sure about that.
Haven't you heard how difficult it was for the Canterville Ghost to replace the blood stains the inimical Americans kept removing?

In a final act of desperation, he had to use GREEN paint!
He was a wimp.

After that last blast of soot, I'm convinced Wolram's chimney is located directly over the gates to hell.
 
  • #21
I thought he was rather wild.
When it comes to exorcism, I think the best advice I can give is that you have to realize the importance of being earnest in your efforts to drive the demon away.

Bon-mots and clever puns won't help you at all.
 
  • #22
Once figuring out this wasn't a medical problem of Wollie's chest getting blotchy and dandruffy...

Wollie, you said it's coated with plaster, but do you really mean cement? Like what we over here would call stucco (don't know if you call it the same there)?

If so, this does sound like a water damage problem. You get bright white, powdery deposits on concrete where water has been working it's way through. You might notice them before the water gets through all the way, and if it's only leaking during rain, you won't notice the dampness on dry days.

Between your recent incident of soot falling everywhere, and this "dandruff" (the real name for it is not coming to mind), I'd highly suggest you get a professional chimney inspector to check your chimney inside and out. If moisture is working through the sides of the chimney, you might have cracks in it. That's pretty dangerous, because it means the heat of the fire can escape out the sides of the chimney and start a house fire around it. Now is the best time to have it all inspected since you're not using it and can get it repaired before the cold weather returns, or decide it's too expensive to repair and know not to use it.

It could also not be a damaged chimney, but a roof leak letting the moisture down the outside of the chimney to damage just the outside coating that you see flaking off. If it's coming in the outside, it might just be the flashing around the chimney up on the roof. Look for any spots where the tar or sheet metal have pulled away, or any exposed nails. A generous coating of roofing tar around the chimney flashing might stop the leak (assuming it's not one of those nefarious roof leaks that starts on the other side of the house and trickles along some circuitous path before appearing inside making it nearly impossible to pinpoint the source...while on the roof, it's worth walking it to look for any other places that have exposed nails and globbing a bit of tar over those too).

There is a nasty chemical stuff that will clean those white deposits off concrete/cement if you treat the leak and just need to clean it to restore the appearance when done, but I can't remember what it is. It's the stuff you use to prep the surface before putting a concrete sealer/waterproofer on (used around foundations and in basements to keep moisture out). Someone in your local hardware store should know what it is and be able to point you in the right direction.

Definitely get your chimney inspected, though, with all these various problems. Best to be safe and sure you don't have cracks or erosion from water seeping in that will make it dangerous to use.
 
  • #23
Moonbear said:
Once figuring out this wasn't a medical problem of Wollie's chest getting blotchy and dandruffy...
Oh sure, find a "practical" explanation, just overlook the obvious. I mean, remember all the other problems he's had?
 
  • #24
Thanks MoonB, i will get mr sweep to check out my chimney, oh i found out the last but one occupant died in this cott:eek:
 

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