If you’ve not got a traditional chimney but still have a log burner, chances are it’s a factory made flue.

These rigid, sectional pipes replace the need for a traditional flue, and are connected via a series of screw/push fit locks.

In anywhere other than outbuildings or conservatories, these pipes either travel from your appliance:

• Through upstairs rooms, your loft and our through the roof

• Through an end wall and upwards, terminating past the highest point of the roof.

However, once they’re installed, that doesn’t mean you can just forget, or ignore some important information, about them.

In this article, we’ll go through some of the big mistakes people make with factory made chimney systems – and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1 – Insufficient Sweep Access

Many chimney systems now include an external soot trap, as pictured above. This not only helps stops water and condensation from dribbling into your stove, but it also collects soot and debris. In order to sweep the chimney fully, this soot trap must be able to be accessed and cleared.

Most are within 10ft of ground level, but we strongly advise the area around it is kept clear. This means any freestanding storage (log stores for example!) or more permanent structures (sheds/garages etc) should ideally be kept as way from it.

Not only does this help unimpeded access, it also helps guard against the next potential issue…

Mistake #2 – Forgetting About ‘Distance To Combustibles’ Measurements

All twin wall insulated chimney systems come with manufacturer guidance about ‘Distance To Combustible Materials’. In short, it tells you how far away the nearest piece of wood, plastic or whatever needed to be. 

If your pipe is going through upstairs rooms and loftspace, the flue should be protected in such a way that these minimum requirements are adhered to. Typically, these means being boxed in through living spaces and caging applied around the pipe where it goes through the loft. Your installer should explain this at the time of installation.

One of the biggest problems though is when homeowners start erecting ‘lean-to’ storage compartments (almost like a mini shed) complete with wooden shelving. Not only is the wood itself a hazard, but so to are the products which are usually stored on them, such as paints and chemical cleaners!

Mistake #3 – Forgetting They Exist When Making Roof Alterations

This issue encompasses all chimneys really, and it’s mostly down to lack of thought and due diligence.

All working chimney terminals should be placed certain distances away from both rooflines and windows. The measurements depend on a few variables, but these tend to be routinely ignored by builders – even though the specifications come under Building Regulations!

If you are getting any amendments made to your roof, we strongly advise you check with your original flue installer so that you’re not unwittingly putting yourselves in danger.

Ignorance is far from bliss – it can turn into an absolute nightmare. So please, check first!