Expert: James Ball - 11/2/2009

Question
House built in the mid 50s. Fireplace below ground level. Floor of fireplace damp/wet with damp "dirt".  It has been raining most days for last 3 weeks.  DO not see any dripping down walls or from center. The upstairs fireplace is dry. Looks like water is coming up from the ground.  Any suggestions?

Answer
Hello Mike, open the damper of the down stairs fireplace, wait for the dust to settle and then look up, look at all 4 walls above the damper to be sure it is not coming down the chimney. if not then you will need to install drainage around the base of your chimney to get the "ground" water away from the base of the chimney, general contractors or landscapers might do this.
hope this helps