CHIMNEYS & FLUES


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Quality standard: CE Mark remains for construction products


Dennis Milligan, President of the British Flue and Chimney Manufacturers Association, provides some important updates from the chimneys and flues sector


A


fter months of uncertainty, it is now official. The UK will continue to use the CE mark for construction products. Following Brexit, the


UK government introduced the UKCA mark with the intention of replacing the CE mark. However, since Brexit government policy has been to keep British standards in close alignment with European standards removing the need for a separate quality mark. This decision also removes the separate rules created for Northern Ireland as part of the Brexit agreement. Through BSi the chimney and flue industry


contributes to the development of European/ British standards which underpin the CE mark. It is worth noting that the UK can modify European standards by creating a UK Annex to go with the standard. The UK Annex to BS EN15287, the key standard for the design and installation of flues, is currently being finalised. When published, hopefully later this year it will bring the regulations in the standard into line with UK building practices. The British Flue and Chimney Manufacturers Association (BFCMA) will publicise the publication of the Annex through its website and social media posts.


The purpose of the CE mark is designed to


give the user confidence that the product is fit for purpose. It is based on the achievement of exacting product standards, in standards like BS EN15287. Specifiers and installation should always look for the CE mark.


Commercial & domestic flues


The design and installation of chimneys and flues in the residential sector are covered by Approved Document J. There is no such equivalent document in the commercial sector. To fill the gap the BFCMA has published a Commercial Flue Guide for commercial flues. The guide covers chimney principles, flue design and maintenance, flue height and the Clean Air Act. The guide gives a useful overview on the selection and installation of chimneys and flues in commercial applications.


16 June 2025


Matching the flue


The function of a chimney or flue is to safely discharge the products of combustion into the atmosphere. This however is not as straightforward as it may sound. Most chimneys operate under negative pressure, using the laws of thermal dynamics to transport the flue gases along the length of the chimney/flue to atmosphere. This requires a clear path to the top of the flue that also maintains the temperature of the flue gases above the dew point. Chimneys and flues are required to discharge


a variety of combustion gases. Different flue gases require different classes of flue. The chimney and flue standards provide for a user- readable classification system that designates the features of the flue components. The features covered include temperature and pressure rating, condensates, corrosion resistance and distance to combustibles. The label on stainless steel components showing the classification should always be checked before installing.


Product testing


Product standards are validated on the basis of product testing. Chimney and flue components under rigorous testing to prove that they can meet the required performance and simulation


software is used to confirm that they will function as specified.


System flues


Both flue components and system chimneys are covered by the CE mark. It should, however, be noted that a CE mark for a system chimney applies to the complete flue system, including add on components like rain caps. The use of components that have not been tested with the system chimney will invalidate the CE mark and change the classification of the flue to a custom flue, for which the installer is responsible.


BFCMA


The BFCMA is the UK’s only Trade Association representing the chimney and flue industry. It represents the majority of manufacturers and sole distributors in the UK. The BFCMA works closely with Government, public bodies and other organisations to further the interest of the chimney & flue industry. The BFCMA is a member of the Federation


of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA) which is the low cost but high-profile UK trade body which represents the diverse interests of manufacturers, suppliers, installers and contractors within the building services sector.


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