Chimney moisture?

Question

I have a two-story house build in 1900. It has an oil furnace in the basement and a chimney running up the center of the house. I noticed what looked like dampness covering the outside/ wall surface of the chimney on the second floor. When I touched this it felt sticky/oily. I checked the exposed chimney on the first floor and it was the same. This sticky stuff didn't have an odor but it tasted bitter. I painted this exposed chimney (it is not brick but covered with some type of paper and plaster as best I can determine.) Also, it has been really damp, hot and rainy here lately. Additionally, we had our outside chimney surface sealed last year and the flashing checked at that time. We had our roof re-shingled last month. My question is What is this stuff and what do I do about it? Thanks.

Answer 1

Maybe you want to use specially made moisture protection paint that also insulate with High R-value Protection.

Just look through Energy Conservation Specialists eBay Store holding prices reductions of 3 -4 times, for a gallon of paint that prevents moisture, while giving you the best available insulation protection that works like fiber glass.

Why pay two time more when you could get both of these benefits to your chimney, moisture prevention and safe High R-value Protection to prevent Thermal Conductivity and Expansion Processes.

>>>>>I used some on my chimney in the attic areas - where it had similar problems, and all the little cracking wear and tear problems from moisture and changing temperatures went away.

If need help, ask the manufacturer.

Answer 2

I'll bet you have a newer oil furnace. The stuff is carbonic acid caused when flue products mix with water. The water comes from condensation in the chimney because of the reduced flue gas temperatures of the higher efficiency furnaces. You will need a stainless steel chimney liner installed. If you check the base of the chimney you will find lots of mortar powder from the inside of the chimney deteriorating.This can't be covered with anything , it will continue to bleed through.