Heating Advice

After progressing an extension, I am told that I will have to install an external flue that rises above the eaves. I have no objection to the cost, but believe it will be unsightly for the neighbours. Please advise solutions & criteria regarding clearance

It is difficult to give specific advice without exact details of the location, however if your “plumber” is a Gas Safe-registered gas installer then we would have no reason to doubt his advice. If you require more detail on the issue, location of flue outlets is covered in Building Regulations (Part J) and these can be viewed at www.planningportal.gov.uk

There may be a concern that the “plume” from the outlet of the boiler (which will be have to be a condensing or high efficiency boiler under Building Regulations) may impinge on your neighbour’s property and cause nuisance.

It is possible that alternative flue arrangements are available as many boiler manufacturers now provide different flue options – for example the flue could be run vertically from the boiler and out through the roof, rather than vertically up the external wall. Again the installer or the boiler manufacturer can advise.

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