Boiler flue flashing - bad job?

Polin_ka

Hi all, 2 weeks ago we had a boiler replaced with a new vertical flue installed through the roof. My partner is now convinced that the flashing has not been done properly. It certainly doesn't look good and I'm going to ask our roofer to look at it in a couple of weeks, when he's here to clean the gutters. 
Can anyone tell me if this is an acceptable job?

neilmcl

It may not look brilliant but if it does the job then that's all the matters. 

Polin_ka

neilmcl said:

It may not look brilliant but if it does the job then that's all the matters. 

I'm concerned whether it would do the job. It doesn't look like the flues I've seen on other people's roofs. 

Jeepers_Creepers

It's tatty work, no question.

For a start, the flashing kit appears to be one for a near-flat roof and not pitched as much as yours. On a pitched-roof flashing, the rubber collar should come at an appropriately sloped angle even before it's fitted - they are very easy to identify; Eg https://www.screwfix.com/p/worcester-bosch-flashing-kit-pitched-roof/21701

The one you have appears to me as tho' it's either for 'flat' or for very low pitched roofs - the rubber collar looks as tho' it exits the flashing sheet at pretty much right angles, and it's only the actual flue that's pulling - forcing - it to the correct, sloping, angle.

If you visualise one of the pitched-roof kits - like the one I linked to - being used instead, then the rubber collar should be circuling the flue pipe neatly and at the same height all around it. The external flue pipe - and that cone-shaped collar you can make out at the bottom - would then be sitting neatly over it all without any gaps.

What make and model is your boiler? I would drop an email to that company and attach your photo - they'll soon tell you if the correct flashing kit was used.

In any case, that is poorly shaped flashing - just shoddy, uninspiring work. Will it all be 'ok'? Probably. But I don't believe it's right. If it were me, I'd get confirmation from the boiler manufacturer, and then insist the installers redo it properly. They shouldn't get away with it - there's no pride there.

Polin_ka

Thanks, I'll definitely email Baxi tomorrow. I suspect it was this or a similar kit they might have used: https://hertsplumbingsupplies.co.uk/drain-boss-connectors/1660-mcalpine-macflash-18-x-18-for-4-110mm-pipe-aluminium-roof-flashing-rs3-5036484007223.html 
Yes, it's very unsightly, but I'd be OK with it as long as it's not letting any rain in.

Jeepers_Creepers

Polin_ka said:

Thanks, I'll definitely email Baxi tomorrow. I suspect it was this or a similar kit they might have used: https://hertsplumbingsupplies.co.uk/drain-boss-connectors/1660-mcalpine-macflash-18-x-18-for-4-110mm-pipe-aluminium-roof-flashing-rs3-5036484007223.html 
Yes, it's very unsightly, but I'd be OK with it as long as it's not letting any rain in.

That flashing kit seems just about ok to use, tho' at approaching 45o the rubber is being distorted to its maximum. It should be ok, tho'.

The main issue, then, seems to be with the external flue design which, I guess, is also 'fine' but, man, it doesn't look good. It just can't be right, can it?! Baxi have been making boilers for donkey's years - they must have a better solution for this every day issue! 

Please report back with what they say :-)

neilmcl

It's clear a lead flashing kit would've looked much neater but at the end of the day if it was your heating engineer that fitted rather than a roofer then you can't really expect a lot other than to use the kits he has available for your boiler.

With a lead kit you could expect a finish like this:

Jeepers_Creepers

OOoooooh - is it wrong to be aroused by that? 

Jeepers_Creepers

(That's a proper adjustable-angle flashing kit too.)

neilmcl

Jeepers_Creepers said:

(That's a proper adjustable-angle flashing kit too.)

It looks like a Baxi one too - https://www.toolstation.com/baxi-roof-flashing/p26406

or possibly a WB one - https://www.travisperkins.co.uk/boiler-flues/worcester-bosch-7716191091-flashing-kit-pitched-roof/p/479618