HOME TRUTHS: DO YOU NEED A CHIMNEY LINER?
When it comes to chimneys, one of the most common questions asked is “do I need a chimney liner?”. This is an important question to ask as there are certain rules surrounding chimneys and combustion appliances. When getting any work done in the home, you want to ensure that the work completed is safe for your property and your family. You also want to ensure that the work complies with all of the relevant building regulations and rules.
To help set the record straight, property and construction expert, Gregory Smith at PriceYourJob.co.uk has created this guide. In this guide, you will learn the building regulations surrounding chimney liners along with some information on why chimney liners are important. So, if you’re concerned at all on this topic, read on below to find out everything you need to know.
What Are The Chimney Liner Building Regulations?
When looking at your chimney, there is a particular piece of legislation that should be looked at – Document J. This document covers all installations and building work surrounding combustion appliances. This includes wood burning stoves.
The main parts of the document to take note of are as follows:
- “combustion appliances shall have adequate provision for the discharge of products of combustion to the outside air” (J2)
- “New masonry chimneys should be constructed with flue liners and masonry suitable for the intended application” (1.27, page 22)
- “Where it is proposed to bring a flue in an existing chimney back into use or re-use a flue with a different type of rating of an appliance, the flue and chimney should be check and, if necessary, altered to ensure they satisfy the requirements for the proposed use” (1.36, page 24)
It can be quite confusing to determine whether a chimney liner is required as it doesn’t specifically state anywhere in the document that it is legally required. Instead, it states that the chimney must be in good working condition so that it can successfully and safely remove all of the combustion fumes without any risks of them leaking back into the house.
However, while it is not a legal requirement to line a chimney, there are several benefits to doing so.
Why Should You Line a Chimney?
Chimney lining is very beneficial for safety reasons. Chimneys may require relining to suit the fuel type that is being used (for example, a gas flue liner may not be suitable for other types of fuels). Chimneys built before 1965 will usually need a more modern lining solution for several reasons, including the following:
- The old flue may have a reduced integrity and may leak fumes into rooms or other parts of the property.
- Lining with insulation could improve the operation of the appliance and the flue. This is particularly beneficial when the chimney is located on an external wall.
- Condensates or tar could seep through the chimney walls, causing staining on the inside or outside of the building.
- Defective flue systems could be eroded or rough. This will cause frictional resistance to the gas flow, resulting in a poorer updraught.
- Large flues that are over 200mm could affect the performance of the appliance. Some appliance manufacturers may specify smaller flues for efficient operation.
Liner Vs. No Liner
There is a regulation that states that the installer must satisfy themselves that your chimney is free from defects and is suitable for its intended use. When the installer checks over your chimney, they may find that the only way to satisfy this need is to line your chimney. This could be the only option to ensure a safe and compliant installation.
If there is any risk that your chimney may leak fumes into your property, the installer must line the chimney with a suitable lining material. There are several choices when it comes to lining systems. The most popular is flexible stainless steel.
If any work is undertaken on your chimney, including the installation of a new chimney liner, is completed in conjunction with the installation of a new heating appliance, the work is a controlled service and this must be undertaken by a competent person, such as a HETAS Registered Installer. Alternatively, it will need to be approved by your Local Authority Building Control department.
Final Thoughts
While it is not a legal requirement to line a chimney, it can be extremely beneficial. In some cases, you may need to have your chimney lined in order for the installation to be safe. With this in mind, it is recommended that you get your chimney lined, regardless of whether it is a requirement for your installation or not.