BCA Technical Guidance Note 10 - Installation of boiler flues and ventilation perforations in external timber framed walls

Boiler flues have been a subject of discussion in the last few years, primarily due to issues raised within CORGI`s technical bulletin 200 which addresses some aspects of the installation of room sealed flue systems within voids. Whilst this provides for the access and inspection of flues inspecting officers form public and private sectors have noted that there appears to be a lack of knowledge by site operatives etc. in the installation of boiler flues and other ducted ventilation perforations within timber frame buildings.

Any perforation within the external walls of a timber frame building need to take into account the relevant requirements of Parts B, C, J & L. It has been discovered that in the majority of cases, appropriate installation instructions are not provided or highlighted within installation or manufacturers manuals/guidance to address timber framed buildings. This has created a “custom and practice” approach by installers which generally does not comply with the goals required in the above mentioned Parts of the Building Regulations and in some cases miss the provisions altogether leaving dangerous conditions, latent defects or both.