FLUES IN VOIDS – BE PREPARED

If you have a boiler which has a flue routed through a ceiling or which passes through another room or cupboard and is covered up then it may need to be checked to make sure it complies with new regulations which come into force soon.

Over the years many flues from boilers which would otherwise be visible have been encased behind panelling or had new ceilings constructed around the flue during building work. There has always been a requirement that these flues should ideally be able to be checked for soundness but regulations will change soon and from 1st January 2013 any affected flue will need to have access points along its length where joints and appropriate supports can be inspected during servicing or other work involving the boiler. Non-compliance with the regulations will possibly mean that the boiler will not be able to be used.

This means that if a boiler flue will be affected by these regulations, the necessary work to put in inspection panels will need to be completed by 31st December 2012. We will be advising customers where applicable of the new requirements throughout this year and can in many cases carry out the work ourselves which will ensure that the boiler flue complies with the gas safety regulations. Where building work is needed to enable compliance we can advise as to what will be required.

If the addition of the inspection panels will create an unsightly appearance within your home and the existing boiler is several years old then you may consider a replacement boiler which would possibly have a different route for the flue and would more than likely be more efficient than your current boiler.