Combi Boiler Flue

[barry1010]

I had by year old boiler serviced yesterday.  The service engineer pointed out that where the flue exits the external wall it had not been cemented in under the rubber cowl.  This could invalidate the guarantee/warranty.

He wasn't touting for business but my question is, is he correct?  There are no gaps under the cowl, the flue had been siliconed in.

[Old_Geezer]

While I do not know, I'd have thought it was more of a fume safety issue and presumably against regs.  I doubt it'd affect how the boiler itself worked. That stated if it is silicon sealed, maybe it's just a reg issue after all.

[The Builder]

Just as people mis-interpret electrical regs, lately it's boilers. British Gas are one of the worst as they use a lot of sub-contractors who 'play safe' and condemn more or less anything that simply hasn't been done the way they would do it.

This is causing so many problems. 

As is often the case, official regulations aren't always clear. Sand & cement is preferred by some as it's heat & fire resistant. Regs also state that foam and silicone are legitimate alternatives.

Boiler companies are often to blame since they can fail to state that expanding foam and silicone should be 'fire retardant' or 'heat resistant'.

It's as simple as that  👍

[barry1010]

Thank you, Builder, so I need not worry?

[The Builder]

Well I certainly wouldn't Barry. Since there are no obvious signs of charring, I would assume the original installer knew what he was doing.

[barry1010]

Just thought I'd let you know I very politely emailed the installation company.  They replied quickly, were very apologetic and it will be rectified next week.  It was the possibility of the boiler manufacturer wriggling out of their obligations under the guarantee that bothered me.

[The Builder]

That's a valid point Barry.  It can be almost impossible to be definitive sometimes since different manufacturers can give slightly differing instructions........  which everyone take as gospel.

I took my reply from 'Worcester' fitting instructions.

Are these people actually going to remove the silicone and grout with sand & cement?