Regulations / log burners

[XTR2Turbo]

Hi

 

would welcome comments from anyone with knowledge of log burner rules / building regs. My friend recently bought a house with a log burner already in the fireplace. She got someone in to check it and he said she needed a new flue and some repairs to the burner. Fair enough as she wants it to be safe.  But he also says he can’t do anything unless she changes the Wooden beam above the fireplace for stone or equivalent.  This would be a lot of extra cost and detract from the look that she likes. 
 

so the question is whether he is correctly interpreting the regulations.  Is there any alternative to replacing the wood such as a fire  layer behind it? 

 

thanks 

 

David

[Kingster]

Here’s ours with wood beam. It’s all about the distance from the fire - I’ll try and dig out the diagram we used but 400mm springs to mind. (Don’t quote me!)

 

[Mark (smokey mow)]

Yes he is correctly interpreting the requirements.  I assume they are a HETAS registered company and as such they would not be able to repair the stove and certify the new flue if the rest of the installation is no compliant or safe. 

 

There's no specific Section of Part-J to the Building Regulations that specifies a minimum separation distance to a timber beam over a fire place, but typically you would need 300mm as a minimum or a dimension as specified in the stove installation manual. I can't identify the stove in question but many similar 8-12KW stoves would require 450-600mm to a timber mantle beam. You would also need to consider the distance between the beam and the flue pipe which should not be less than 200mm.

 

it may be possible to fit a mantle deflector plate to protect the beam depending on the stove output but this will be visible below the beam, as would the alternative option of cladding the bottom and rear face with a calcium silicate board or similar such as Superlux.

 

This is the best website I have been able to find after a quick search that gives a bit more detail.

https://www.stovefitterswarehouse.co.uk/pages/rules-for-wood-burning-stoves

[XTR2Turbo]

Thanks. I’ll do some reading and measuring 

[Mole]

Plus you could also do a bit like an IVA test..put up a plate and the take away..

I agree with it being safe..but I had this a bit when I put my two log burners in..

It made a mockery of the rules when you see so many photos in advertising media..with logs stacked under or next to the burners!!

I also know that over 5kw you need an air brick..

[Weekend Warrior]

3 hours ago, Mole said:

Plus you could also do a bit like an IVA test..put up a plate and the take away..

I agree with it being safe..but I had this a bit when I put my two log burners in..

It made a mockery of the rules when you see so many photos in advertising media..with logs stacked under or next to the burners!!

I also know that over 5kw you need an air brick..

 

What like mine ?       😳

[Terry Everall]

its a good place to dry your logs 😆

[Mole]

Exactly..and I bet you haven't had many catch fire..outside the log burner!!