open flue fire landlord inspection

[samwilko]

I did a landlord inspection on an open flue gas fire on saturday. Its about 20 years old, never failed an annual inspection before. Passed flue flow and spillage no problem. When i checked in the loft i found the selkirk 5" flue came out the precast about a foot with about a 15 degree rise from horizontal, then to a 90 degree bend following pitch of roof then to a 45 degree bend up to a ridge terminal. no clips just duck taped to wood that had been screwed between the trusses. So thats, no clips, resting on combustible material and a 90 degree bend. I AR'd it as it was performing satisfactorily. Im convinced i ve done the right thing in AR it but you doubt yourself when its passed so many before!

 

[ed209]

I suppose if it's not leaking products of combustion then it must be at risk, take some photos show to landlord explain the consequences that he will go to prison now he is aware if anything happens and tenants are harmed.
Suggest fire removed and replaced with electric one

 

[ed209]

The landlord may be ok and isn't aware as its never been mentioned before, and up until now he is covered as he had gas Certs saying everything ok; your not alone the things I've seen that had previously been passed

 

[samwilko]

When I came down from the loft after being up there for about 15 mins trying to get my head around the fact it had passed for all these years and looking for something i must have missed the tenant said "why are you in the loft no ones been in the loft for the 6 years we ve lived here on the gas inspection".
That answered my question as to how its passed every year.

 

[samwilko]

i even scoured the viper book looking for a reason a 90 bend is allowed! knowing full well its not.

 

[samwilko]

I will be recommending an electric fire but the trouble is its the only source of heat in the house and an electric fire probably won't cut it. Time for the landlord to dig deep i think.

 

[ed209]

I'm still amazed when there surprised I'm taking the forefront off to inspect the back boiler

 

[ed209]

Anywhere for a balanced flue wall heater them things give of great heat and economical ?
You watch that meter forever waiting for a full revolution of dial when gas rating

 

[samwilko]

And removing closure plate to clean out fire place opening, i reckon half of the ones i go to say they ve never seen that done before.

 

[samwilko]

No mate, mid terrace small place, front is all kitchen and front door and back is all pvc and back door.

 

[ed209]

Them new electric heaters are meant to be good quite expensive, I did a job where he had his boiler removed and all the rads so he could get sparks in to fit these electric rads as he reckoned there were more economical

 

[ed209]

Anyway not really your problem your covered and can sleep sound you've done the right thing and the landlord and tenant know it's at risk