Commercial Boilers, Heating & Hot Water
Commercial Flue Systems
Commercial boiler flues are crucial as a part of boiler installation. The right type of flue for your boiler must be selected and installed to aid performance and help keep your employees safe.
Boilers with a rating of 70kW or higher are classed as commercial. Therefore, they need a commercial flue, bringing with it a responsibility for employers to take safety precautions.
At Robinsons Facilities Services, our team of highly experienced engineers can install, maintain, service and repair all types of commercial flue systems. We offer fast and efficient response times across Yorkshire and the entire UK.
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Alternatively, if you’d like to learn more about commercial flue systems and our approach, continue reading below to hear from our experts.
What Is a Flue?
A flue is a vent or passage that allows exhaust gases or smoke from a heating system or other combustion process to escape safely to the outside atmosphere. It is typically a duct or pipe that runs through a building, leading from an appliance that produces the exhaust to the outside air.
Flues are found in various types of heating systems, including gas or oil-fired boilers, water heaters, and fireplaces. They are designed to prevent the buildup of harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, within the building and ensure that the air inside remains safe and breathable.
Proper installation, maintenance, and inspection of flues are crucial to ensure they are functioning correctly and safely.
Some people may use the word “chimney” when they mean “flue”. In terms of a commercial boiler flue, the chimney is the shaft that contains the flue itself.
Types of Commercial Flues
Various types of flue systems are available and their installation depends on several factors
- Twin-Wall System Chimneys are suitable for high positive pressure systems and both condensing and non-condensing appliances. They have a pre-installed installation and consist of metal walls in a concentric design.
- Single-wall chimneys are used on multi-fuel applications and serve as a connecting flue pipe on both non-condensing and condensing applications.
- Flexible Liners are an option to reline existing chimneys and avoid the cost of replacing the whole flue.
Contact us today for expert advice on the right commercial flue system for you.
Commercial Boiler Flue Regulations
Like many other aspects of your commercial building, the commercial flue and the chimney within which it is housed have certain applicable regulations.
“The Construction Products Regulations” and “The Clean Air Act” are crucial to the flue, meaning that you must consider the following:
- The flue must come with a CE mark to prove that it has met the stringent standards of the EEA.
- It must be rated to deal with high temperatures, up to 400 degrees for multi-fuel boilers and 200 for oil or gas boilers.
- The boiler must be built to be corrosion-resistant, even when dealing with the products of the boiler combustion process.
- The flue must be adequately lined too, and able to withstand the products of combustion.
- It must be able to allow condensate to drain freely, making it condensate-resistant.
- The flue must be at a level where it is resistant to soot fires.
- It must be placed away from potential fire hazards, such as gas supplies or timber.
When you work with Robinsons Facilities Services engineers, you can ensure that you’re getting industry-specific advice from accredited professionals. We’re always happy to advise on your flue system and what you need.
Potential Issues With Commercial Flue Systems
Commercial flue systems are continuously exposed to harsh conditions and can, therefore, experience common issues if not maintained properly. These include:
Blockages
Blockages may inhibit exhaust gases from escaping safely. This can lead to a buildup of harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, within the building.
Corrosion
Corrosion is also possible as, over time, flues can wear away as they are exposed to moisture and acidic exhaust gases. This can lead to leaks or holes that can cause dangerous gases to enter the building.
Negative pressure
Downdrafts or other factors can create negative pressure in the flue system, which can prevent proper exhaust and potentially pull combustion fumes back into the building.
Commercial Flue Systems Yorkshire: Our Services
Robinsons Facilities Services are experts in the installation, maintenance, servicing, and repair of a variety of heating solutions. We have decades of experience working with businesses across Yorkshire and the UK.
Our services include
Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM)
With our most common package, the PPM contract, you’ll gain access to a team of accredited engineers to keep your commercial flue system compliant and in top working order.
With year-round professional maintenance, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your commercial flue system is in good hands.
Reactive-Only Service
Interested in a more “as and when” service? Our Gas Safe registered engineers are on hand for commercial flue system maintenance throughout Yorkshire and across the UK.
We also offer a range of other boiler, heating and hot water services:
Get In Touch
Contact Robinsons Facilities Services today for professional and reliable commercial flue systems services throughout Yorkshire and the entire UK.
Our customers love us! Read our testimonials.
Commercial Flue System Maintenance FAQs
There are some rules regarding boiler flues, which need to be a minimum of 75mm below any material that has the potential to be damaged by heat and over 150mm to the side of vertical drains.
You should ensure that whoever is fitting your flue has the required training and certification, which means most people are not qualified to fit their commercial flue.
The flue must comply with the rules of The Construction Products Regulations, meaning the flue itself needs a CE mark and a high-temperature rating to be suitable for use. It should also comply with the Clean Air Act.
The recommended frequency depends on the type of appliance and fuel used. But typically, annual inspections and maintenance are advised.
Watch out for common signs, such as reduced boiler efficiency, visible blockages, stains around the flue, or unusual odours.
With our PPM contract, the cost of commercial flue system maintenance can start from as little as £250+VAT per annum. Contact us for a free quote.
Regular maintenance can lead to improved efficiency, reduced fuel costs, early detection of problems, fire safety, and carbon monoxide prevention.
Call our Yorkshire Head Office about Commercial Flue Systems
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