Wall above fireplace

[rgraef]

First time homeowner has run into an issue/s with the wall above the fireplace. The home was built in 1930's. While taking down wallpaper and repainting the walls - discovered that previous owners had actually papered over and painted over wall panelling. My painting over this appeared to work out fine (walls seemed to be in good shape) UNTIL I reached a section over the fireplace where the wall (or underlying paneling) was obviously warped. The sections to the left and right of this one appear to be solid (no warping).

I removed this section of paneling down to the plaster. There was a moist-ish paper layer over the plaster that I shopvac-ed off. It was covered with black soot (mold?) A small amount of plaster broke away as well.

Now what?
1. Should I hope for the best - attach a vapor barrier and similar thickness panel to the framing in this section, tape, prime and paint.

2. Call a contractor to check for a leak where the chimney meets the roof? The joint is tarred as far as I can tell.

3. Take down the sections to the right and left of the original section to ensure that the moisture issue isn't more extensive?

Thanks

[dhill]

Since no one else has responded, I'll offer some free advice. Be sure to check for water leakage. You might have to get in the attic. I'm not sure that you'll have to tear off any more paneling, but if it's not too hard to do and you can re-do those other sides, then you might re-do there too. I doubt that you'll have to call a contractor. I don't think I'd put the vapor barrier up without checking to make sure there is no more moisture content.

[Cole]

I would do number 3.

[Tom R]

Tar where the chimney meets the roof is never good enough, - - it needs to be flashed properly by a professional (that means with the flashing cut into the chimney). Tar works only as a (very) temporary patch, - - it cracks with every seasonal change.

Why not instead of 'repairing' that wall section, - - 'build it out' with plywood or MDF and trim (the width of the fireplace and right on up to the ceiling), - - then paint, - - and make it a 'focal' point in the room, - - it'll be just as easy, - - if not easier than the repair, - - and you'll be killin' two birds with one stone.

P.S. Fur it out first, - - leaving an airspace behind it, - - and you'll avoid any future moisture problems.