INTERIORS
The height of the chimney/flue is also important. In accordance with Document J, the minimum chimney height recommended for the minimum performance of wood burning and multi fuel appliances is 4.5 metres from the top of the appliance to the top of the chimney. It should be stressed that this is the minimum height – some Ecodesign stoves may require more height. It is always advisable to check with the stove manufacturer’s recommendations. The installer should carry out a draw test when the stove has been installed to make sure it is working correctly. It is worth noting that there are
different types of flue for different flues. For example, the flue required for a gas fire is different to that for a wood burning stove. Condensing appliances require a flue that has been designed to work with condensing appliances.
Installing a flue or an appliance is not a DIY job. In England & Wales you can engage a ‘competent person’ with sufficient knowledge and skill to carry out the job, and the authority to undertake it. The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) has approved a number of competent persons schemes like HETAS, Certsure and OFTEC, with HETAS the largest solid fuel scheme. A competent person is able to self-certify that their work complies with the Building Regulations. If you have been looking for a new stove you cannot have failed to hear about the Government’s Ecodesign scheme; the Defra requirement to reduce particulate emissions. Chimney and flues are not part of Ecodesign, however, the flues being sold now are ready for use
The minimum chimney height recommended for wood burning and multi fuel appliances is 4.5 metres from the top of the
appliance to the top of the chimney
68
www.sbhonline.co.uk
with Ecodesign appliances. The purpose of a chimney or flue is to
discharge the products of combustion safely into the atmosphere. When re- opening an existing chimney, it is important to check that the flue is sound and has no cracks or gaps. The most common way to create a sealed flue in a defective chimney is to reline the chimney with a flexible flue liner – stainless steel and plastic for gas appliances and stainless steel for solid fuel. All mineral burning appliances need air to work efficiently and safely. It is essential that the appropriate air supply, as required by the appliance manufacturer and Building Regulations, is provided into the room where the appliance or open fire is situated. An inadequate supply of combustion air can create problems. Situations assumed to be downdraught (and spillage of smoke and fumes back into the room, which can be unpleasant and dangerous), are more frequently caused by insufficient provision of combustion air. Never block air vents installed to provide combustion air. If the appliance does not get all the air it needs to burn the fuel efficiently, incomplete combustion will occur resulting in the production of carbon monoxide and, if
badly deprived of air, copious volumes of soot.
All wood burning and multi-fuel appliances should have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted within the same room as the appliance. The carbon monoxide alarm should comply with BS EN 50291-1:2010, and must be installed to the manufacturers’ installation instructions, and current Building Regulations. An alarm is required because carbon monoxide is a dangerous but odourless and invisible gas. Chimney and flues require little maintenance. The one essential job is to sweep the chimney/flue on a regular basis. The frequency of sweeping depends on the usage of the appliance. However, as a minimum, the chimney should be swept at the start of the ‘heating season.’
It is also good practice to check at least every year or two the exposed parts of a chimney, flashings and terminals for signs of damage. Just like the outside of a house, chimneys can suffer from the wear and tear of extreme weathering.
Dennis Milligan is president of the BFCMA
sep/oct 2021
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