Gas fitter - your precast flue is illegal? Comments please.

[Deleted User]

Gas fitter came yesterday to measure up for our new gas fire and told me our precast flue in our early 1980's house is illegal!:(

He claimed the diameter of the flue no longer meets the current regulations and I wouldn't be allowed to use the precast flue with any gas fire.

I've had a good look around on the internet for the regulations, but can't find any relating to retrofitting a new fire to an old flue.

Does this sound correct? Does anyone know the exact regulations?
I feel like I'm being led up the proverbial 'garden path'.

fezster

I think the law is that anything pre-existing which does not meet current regulations, you will be given a warning about (as long as it is not dangerous). However, if you are adding anything new, then it must meet current regulations.

daveyjp

We had a new fire a couple of years ago in a pre cast flue similar aged property. The flue was fine, but the number of fires we could have was very limited - only a couple of real flame types as they are slimline designs. Is your new fire pre cast compatible?

The flue passed the smoke test with no bother. However we were warned that it may fail the spill test once the new fire was installed as pre cast flues can have limited draw.

Sure enough it failed, but all it entailed was a taller ridge vent and the fire passed the test.

As suitable fires can still be fitted to pre cast flues I'd find another fitter or call a gas fire outlet and have a chat - ours was very knowledgeable and helpful as we originally wanted a stove type gas fire, but this wasn't possible.

More info:

http://www.fireplacesareus.co.uk/chimney-and-flue-systems

Jonesya

What is the diameter of the flue?

[Deleted User]

Flue approximately 11.5 inches by 2.5 inches wide.

Since been reading about the old British standard from 1975 that we must have complied with. Seems if I can find a fire to fit those standards and take the risk of passing the spill test and raising the roof tile, we might manage it but will need a specialist..

Otherwise it looks like around £1,600 for new balanced flue fireplace surround and fire, as the fire we've just been quoted £850. We'll then have to block off the old precast flue but leave the vent in the roof open.


Thanks to all for your advice.:T

Jonesya

Have a look at the Valor Homeflame slimline range, these are high efficiency, glass fronted fires designed for small prefabricated type flues.

I had one fitted several years back - the installer instructions state that it can be used with flues complying with older versions of BS1289, flue must have minimum depth of 63mm (2.5 inches?) and minimum area of 13000mm squared.

Clearly need to check with Valor or one of their retailers if the latest models are still the same, but looks a good place to start. Plus the fires are over 80% efficient so cheap to run.

http://www.valor.co.uk/product_details/0596351.htm?ref=/catalogue/gas_collection/Insets-Slimline/Petrus/index.htm

daveyjp

Jonesya wrote: »

What is the diameter of the flue?

Pre cast don't have a diameter, which is why I questioned the type of gas fire. They are pre fabricated rectangular bricks and worked well with old fashioned wall hung fires with radiant burners, but these are no longer popular so choice is limited.

OP, if you have central heating, a third option is to have an electric fire fitted.