DANGERS GAS BOILER FLUE PLACEMENT

There are very strict rules regarding flues. However, even if its within the required distance you should still insist that they fit whats called a 'plumage kit'. This diverts the fumes upwards, away from your window. Don't take no for an answer and if you have any problems with the installation, contact the Gas Safe register people and explain your concerns.

Whilst there are strict regulations regarding flue positions, consideration must also be given to nuicance to others.

The minimum distance is measured from the outside of the flue to the open side of the window. Some get mixed up thinking it is the centre of the flue to the openable window or sometime the window itself when permanently closed. It is also important to know the direction of the flue. The direction of the flue has to be pointing away from the window and not towards for example: a flue going on a 1% angle or more from the same wall or more towards the window is not excepted. A wall to the side or opposite for example the neighbours house is a minimum of 2-meters from the point of the flue to the window. Bear in mind that one day the neighbour may put in an openable window.

It doesn’t matter if the flue was fitted in the last minute or more, if the flue has been fitted incorrectly and within the measurements of 300mm, then this is classified as At Risk unless the gas safe registered engineer says otherwise. If the gas safe registered engineer says it is not to current standards but does not class it as an At Risk situation, then that is up to him, however, if anyone dies or is injured from the such as health issue, then the problem may be pointed towards the gas engineer that has classed the flue as NCS rather than AR.

Neighbours flue too close to my window?

If your neighbour has a flue within 2-meters of the property, then this can be reported to the HSE and the flue in question must not be used as this can be classed as At Risk and most definitely NCS.

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Why does having a flue from a gas boiler too close to the window become a dangerous thing?

The reason why having a flue too close to the window can be very dangerous is because if any fumes get into the house, the occupant or any living thin present can become injured meaning health issue or even death. Over reason the fumes can enter the house due to being too close can be the vacuum of air entering the home due to unforeseen drafts. The more fumes entering the home, the more the risk to health. The opinion of Martin Smith is having a flue fumes too close to the window will more than likely have an health issue rather than death.

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What is having a flue too close to an openable window classed as?

Having a flue too close to the window as a default is classed as an AR situation. It can also be classed as NCS if the gas safe engineer decides he will take full responsibility for what happens to any of the occupants. Martin Smith a fully qualified gas safe registered engineer would class this as AR as he believes taking responsibility as very serious.

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Why has my boiler flue been fitted too close to the window, is this against gas safe regulations?

If the flue has been fitted too close to the window then this is classed as negligence to the safety of life. This can be common when the engineer incorrectly measure the flue distance or even put a flue in regardless of any thought from the person responsible.

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How can I get around not having to move the flue that is too close to the openable window without it being at risk or dangerous in any way?

There is most likely only 2 options, one being is to buy an extendable kit such as the flume kit if you can buy parts for the type of boiler installed or to replace the window so that it can be proven that it is permanently close. Permanently close does not mean a window screwed shut or the word of the occupant saying I will not open the window.

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