COMPETENCY & CERTIFICATION

Connection to a solid fuel appliance should be carried out by a competent person. We recommend the use of an installer registered with a recognized Competent Person Scheme (e.g., HETAS, OFTEC, NAPIT, etc.) For solid fuel applications.

ENGLAND / WALES

The installation must be carried out by a HETAS, OFTEC, NAPIT or APHC registered installer for England and Wales. Installations may also be approved by the local building control authority.

SCOTLAND

All installations need to be carried out by a competent person. This could be a HETAS, OFTEC, NAPIT or APHC registered installer, or an NVQ qualified chimney sweep. Installations may also be approved by the local building control authority.

STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY & MATERIAL ALTERATIONS

Installing a chimney system is defined as a "Controlled Service" under Building Regulations.

However, modifications required to install the system (e.g., cutting floor joists, modifying roof trusses, or removing chimney breasts) are defined as "Material Alterations" to the building fabric.

IMPORTANT: Registration with a Competent Person Scheme (e.g., HETAS) allows you to self-certify the Controlled Service (the stove and flue).

It does not automatically grant authority to self-certify structural Material Alterations unless you hold specific structural competencies.

PRE-INSTALLATION CHECKS

• Planning Permission: Planning permission may be required. Reference should be made to the local Building Control Department prior to works commencing.
• Component Inspection: Ensure all chimney components are available and check them to ensure there has been no damage. Do not use damaged components.
• Route Design: Build the chimney up through the previously designed route, which should be as straight as possible.

PLANNING PERMISSION & BUILDING FABRIC MODIFICATIONS

IMPORTANT: Registration with a Competent Person Scheme (e.g., HETAS) allows you to self-certify that the installation complies with Building Regulations (e.g., Document J).

It does not grant authority regarding Planning Permission, Listed Building Consent, or major structural modifications.

It is the installer’s responsibility to verify that the client has obtained necessary permissions before work commences.

1. PLANNING PERMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Planning permission applies to the visual appearance, height, and location of the flue. You cannot self-certify these aspects. Work must not proceed without written consent from the Local Planning Authority (LPA) in the following scenarios:

• Listed Buildings: You MUST have Listed Building Consent for any alteration (internal or external) that affects the building's character.
• WARNING: Drilling into a listed wall or modifying a chimney pot without consent is a criminal offence.
• Designated Areas: In Conservation Areas, National Parks, planning permission is required if the flue is installed on a wall or roof slope that fronts a highway or forms the principal or side elevation.
• Flats and Maisonettes: These properties have zero Permitted Development rights. Any external flue installation requires full Planning Permission.
• Height Restrictions: In standard properties, planning permission is triggered if the flue extends more than 1 metre above the highest part of the roof.

2. MODIFYING THE BUILDING FABRIC (MATERIAL ALTERATIONS)

Under Regulation 3 of the Building Regulations, installing a stove and flue is a "Controlled Service." Modifications to the building's structure to accommodate the flue are defined as "Material Alterations" to the building fabric.

If the installation requires significant structural modification, it may fall outside the scope of standard self-certification and require a Building Notice or Structural Engineer’s calculations:

• Removal of Chimney Breasts: Removing part of a chimney breast affects the structural stability of the building (Part A). This requires structural calculations and Building Control oversight.
• Widening Openings (Lintels): Significant widening of a builder's opening that requires a new structural lintel to support masonry is structural work and cannot be self-certified as a simple appliance installation.
• Cutting Roof Trusses/Joists: Cutting through engineered roof trusses or floor joists to pass the Twin Wall system alters the structural fabric. Unless you are competent to calculate load paths and reinforcement (trimming out), this requires Building Control approval.

CHIMNEY ROUTE & SYSTEM EFFICIENCY

The performance of a natural draught chimney relies entirely on the pressure differential created by hot flue gas. A poorly designed route will result in poor draw, smoke nuisance, and inefficient fuel combustion. To ensure the system operates correctly and minimizes environmental impact, adhere to the following principles:

1. ROUTE GEOMETRY & FLOW

• Verticality is Key: The chimney route should remain as straight and vertical as possible to assist the natural upward flow of gases.
• Minimise Resistance: Every bend creates resistance to flow.
• On natural draught systems, there should be no more than 4 changes of direction of maximum 45°.
• Two 45° bends (or a 90° factory bend/tee) count as two changes of direction.
• Initial Vertical Rise: To establish immediate draw and prevent smoke spillage into the room during lighting, a vertical run of at least 600mm should be allowed immediately above the appliance prior to any change of direction.

2. MITIGATING SMOKE NUISANCE

Smoke nuisance is often caused by insufficient exit velocity (poor draw), termination in a high-pressure wind zone or burning incorrect fuels.

TERMINATION HEIGHT:

• The flue outlet must be sited high enough to allow smoke to disperse freely without re-entering the building or disturbing neighbours.
• Ensure the termination complies with BS EN 15287-1 regarding distance from the roof surface, windows, and adjacent structures.

TERMINAL SELECTION:

Restrictive cowls can reduce exit velocity, causing smoke to "hang" around the outlet.

• For solid fuel/wood burning, an open termination (or simple rain cap) is often preferable to maintain maximum up draught.

Warning: Where a terminal with mesh is used, there is a risk of soot build-up reducing the effective cross-sectional area. Regular cleaning is required to avoid blockage and subsequent smoke emissions.

3. ENSURING EFFICIENT COMBUSTION & DRAW

A chimney must stay hot to stay clean. Core is an insulated system designed to retain heat, but installation factors play a major role:

• Avoid Horizontal Runs: Horizontal runs cool the gases and reduce draw. A maximum horizontal run of 150mm is recommended for rear-outlet appliances.
• Avoid unnecessary bends. Building regulations state, no more than 4 changes of direction, maximum angle for 45 degrees. HETAS recommend that no more than 20% of the total system height be installed in a non-vertical position.
• Appliance Operation: To maintain the flue temperature required for efficient draw:
• No Slumbering: Prolonged slumbering (burning at low temperature) cools the flue gases, leading to poor draw, smoke nuisance, and potential system failure due to corrosion.
• Fuel Quality: Only burn approved fuels. Wood must be seasoned to a moisture content of <20%. Wet wood creates steam, which cools the flue and destroys the draught, resulting in smoke nuisance.
• Never mix fuels – a multi-fuel stove should not burn wood and coals during the same firing.
• Ventilation: A chimney cannot draw if the room is sealed tight*. Ensure sufficient air for combustion and ventilation is provided to the room to enable correct working of the system.

* Unless the chimney and / or stove is connected to a direct air feed.

The design guide must be read in conjunction with the detailed component installation instructions. For full design and installation details, the key referral documents are listed below:

1. STATUTORY REGULATIONS (LEGAL REQUIREMENTS)

• England & Wales: Approved Document A: Structure
• England & Wales: Approved Document B: Fire safety - Dwellings.
• England & Wales: Approved Document J: Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems.
• Scotland: Technical Handbook (Domestic), Section 1 - Structure
• Scotland: Technical Handbook (Domestic), Section 2 - Fire.
• Scotland: Technical Handbook (Domestic), Section 3 - Environment.
• Northern Ireland: DFP Technical Booklet D: Structure.
• Northern Ireland: DFP Technical Booklet E: Fire safety.
• Northern Ireland: DFP Technical Booklet L: Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems.

2. DESIGN & APPLICATION STANDARDS

• BS EN 15287-1: Chimneys. Design, installation and commissioning of chimneys. Chimneys for non-room sealed heating appliances.
• Appliance Instructions: Appliance Installation Instructions and related standards. Other standards covering specific applications will also be relevant and must be adhered to.

3. PRODUCT & TESTING STANDARDS

• BS EN 1856-1: Chimneys - System Chimney Products.
• BS EN 1856-2: Connecting Flue Pipes.
• BS EN 1859: Metal Chimneys - Testing Methods.
• BS EN 1443: Chimneys - General Requirements.
• BS 476 Part 20: Fire tests on building materials and structures.

4. GENERAL REFERENCES

• Literature provided by Competent Persons Schemes provided during training courses and subsequent updates.
• Appliance manufacturer literature, specific to the exact make and model.

CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS

The carbon monoxide alarms should comply with BS EN 50291

Where a new or replacement fixed solid fuel appliance is installed in a dwelling, a carbon monoxide alarm must be provided in the room where the appliance is located.

Please follow manufacturers instructions with regards to siting and fixing or alternatively:

A) On the ceiling at least 300mm from any wall or if it is located on a wall, as high up as possible (above any doors and windows), but not within 150mm of the ceiling and

B) between 1m and 3m horizontally from the appliance.

N.B Provision of a carbon monoxide alarm should not be regarded as a substitute for correct installation and regular servicing.

PAINTING

For high-temperature applications where Core is connected directly to the stove, appliance connectors and starter pipes are supplied as standard with a high-temperature paint finish.

If additional painting of external sections is required on-site, the surface must be de-greased, dried, and primed before applying a suitable heat-resistant paint. Alternatively, Schiedel Chimney Systems offers chimney sections and accessories pre-painted in a wide range of RAL colours to special order

HANDLING

It is advised that suitable PPE should be used when handling the products.

DELIVERY TO SITE AND STORAGE

Components should be carefully transported and off loaded. They should be inspected to ensure they have not been damaged. They should be stored off the ground and under cover so that they are protected from accidental damage and the adverse effects of weather.

APPLIANCE/CHIMNEY CONNECTION

Connection to the appliance can be made using Prima Smooth, Prima Plus or alternative approved single wall connecting flue pipes. Where painted product is used on a high temperature application, then this must be a high temperature paint specification.

The connection must be made by using the appropriate appliance connector or adjustable starter section. When a single wall connecting flue pipe is used to connect an appliance to the chimney, the lower end of the Core insulated chimney section must extend a minimum of 425mm below the ceiling. When connecting the appliance to the flue pipe all joints between the flue pipe/appliance outlet must be securely caulked and sealed with non-asbestos rope (or suitable alternative) and fire cement on solid fuel appliances. Single wall connection pipes must not exceed 2m in length (or 1.5m as per BS Eni5287-1 installations)

Any flue pipe connection to the chimney MUST be made in the same room as the appliance.

CONNECTING FLUE PIPE DIAMETER

Connecting Flue Pipe Diameter size should be as recommended by the appliance manufacturer.

Under all circumstances the operational requirements of the appliance and the configuration of the flue must satisfy the flue sizing requirements of EN13384-1.

DISTANCE TO COMBUSTIBLES

In accordance with building regulations, it is essential that the correct distance to combustible material is maintained on connecting flue pipes.

On solid fuel applications, where there is a risk of soot fire, on unmeasured (NM) designated single wall product, this distance is 3 x Ø Int of the pipe, with an absolute minimum of 375mm e.g.

On both Ø100 and ø125mm pipe, the distance to combustibles is 375mm and for Ø150 the distance is 450mm to combustibles on both painted and non-painted variants.

On measured (M) single wall or double wall products this distance will be as declared by the chimney manufacturer. On Core this distance has been measured and is set at 50mm or 60mm, this is dependent on which firestop components are used.

CONNECTING FLUE PIPE ROUTE

Single wall connecting flue pipes should only be used to connect appliances to a Chimney. They should not pass through any roof space, partition, internal wall or floor, except to pass directly into Ceramic, Pumice or brick chimney attached to the building and passing directly into the chimney through the wall. Distance to combustibles must be maintained within the wall space. In order to guarantee this, we recommend the use of our Ignis Protect product.

Within the room where the appliance is situated, connecting flue pipes should be located so as to avoid igniting combustible material.

On solid fuel appliances the maximum length of a connecting flue pipe is 2m. This distance is reduced to 1.5m if any of the acceptable alternative methods of connection are adopted as per BS EN15287-1.

On appliances with a top outlet, it is recommended that a vertical run of at least 600mm should be allowed immediately above the appliance prior to any change of direction.

On appliances with a rear outlet, it is recommended that there is maximum of 150mm in the horizontal run however under certain conditions, as described in alternative methods in BS EN 15287-1, this may be increased to 450mm.

Within a system (Connecting Flue Pipe + System Chimney) servicing a solid fuel appliance, there should be no more than 4 changes of direction of maximum 45˚.

90˚ factory made bends or tees within the system may be treated as being equal to two 45˚ bends (as per Document J of the Building Regulations issued October 2010).

90˚ factory made bends should have a debris collection, so as to avoid flue diameter reduction.

INSPECTION

On solid fuel applications, to conform to Building Regulations, provisions should be made to enable a chimney to be inspected and cleaned.

An inspection pipe, inspection elbow or a 90° or 135° Tee with tee cap can form a suitable inspection point (unless cleaning/inspection can be done through the appliance). To aid cleaning, sufficient distance should be left between changes of direction to permit the safe passage of cleaning brushes within the system. This is particularly important on solid fuel applications. It is recommended that chimneys serving solid fuel appliances be swept as frequently as necessary, but at least twice a year.

ACCEPTABLE ALTERNATE METHODS OF CONNECTION

Where a horizontal connecting flue of more than 150mm is required to connect a solid fuel fired appliance to a chimney, an installation method as per the examples below may be used, provided the following criteria is met:

• The maximum length of horizontal connecting flue pipe does not exceed 450mm;
• A Defra exempt appliance or an appliance, which is limited to burning authorised smokeless fuel only, is installed;
• A calculation according to BS EN13384-1 has indicated safe operation of the proposed configuration, and the results of the calculation are left with the householder along with the appliance installation instructions;
• The appliance manufacturer agrees in writing to the proposed configuration;
• The chimney manufacturer agrees in writing to the proposed configuration;
• The total length of single wall connecting flue pipe is not more than 1.5m;
• The appropriate distances to combustible materials from both the appliance and the connecting flue pipe are maintained.

CHIMNEY DIAMETER

The chimney size should be as recommended by the appliance manufacturer.

CHIMNEY ROUTE

The chimney should remain as straight as possible through its vertical run to assist flow. Should it be necessary to offset a chimney run then the following guidelines should be adhered to: It is recommended that a vertical run of at least 600mm should be allowed immediately above the appliance prior to any change of direction.

On natural draught systems on any fuel, it is recommended that there should be no more than 4 changes of direction of maximum 45°. Factory made 90° bends or tees within the system may be treated as being equal to two 45° bends (On fan flued appliances, a calculation should be carried out according to BS EN 13384 to ensure that any installation requiring more than 4 changes of direction will satisfy the flue sizing requirements).

Any drain or test points must be suitably capped or trapped when flue is in use, to prevent the escape of products of combustion, or to prevent ingress of additional cold air into the flue system.

CONNECTION TO DRAUGHT DIVERTER

Where the appliance features a draught diverter, the connection should rise vertically from it for at least 600mm before any change of direction (unless otherwise specified by the appliance manufacturer). This is in accordance with the recommendations contained in BS 5440 Part 1 section 6.1.4

DIRECT CONNECTION APPLIANCE TO SYSTEM CHIMNEY

When connecting from the appliance directly to a system chimney, the appropriate appliance connector or adjustable starter section must be used, and the joint between the appliance spigot and the appliance connector must be securely caulked and sealed with non-asbestos rope (or suitable alternative) and fire cement on solid fuel appliances.

Where painted product is used on a high temperature application, then this must be a high temperature paint specification. The Core starting components are all painted in high temperature resistant paint.

DISTANCE TO COMBUSTIBLES

In accordance with building regulations, it is essential that the correct distance to combustible material is maintained. On all fuel applications, using the G60 ventilated fire stop plates (round or square) in combination with the G60 ventilated support plate, where there is a risk of soot fire, a distance of 60mm to combustibles must be maintained within a combustible floor and within a combustible shaft (see Fig.1). There is no need to line the area within the floor cavity with plasterboard; however, the G60 ventilated fire stop plate and G60 ventilated support plate must be used.

When using G50 components in the Core chimney system, the installation must maintain a minimum 50mm clearance from combustible materials, using a 10mm fire-rated board and 40mm air gap. This board acts as a critical shield, ensuring that heat transfer remains within safe limits and that the system complies with building and fire safety regulations. A minimum of 40mm air gap must be maintained.

PROTECTION AND ENCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS

With the exception of the room containing the appliance, the chimney must be enclosed where it passes through any other part of the building (e.g., bedrooms or cupboards) to prevent accidental human contact and to protect against combustible materials.

Enclosures: In habitable rooms such as bedrooms, the chimney must be enclosed within a casing, such as plaster board frame, or a boxed frame.

Storage Areas: In cupboards or roof spaces where there is a risk of contact with stored combustible materials, a permanent non-combustible enclosure or a robust mesh guard (subject to local Building Regulations) must be installed.

Distances to Combustibles: In all cases, the minimum distance to any combustible material—including loft insulation—must be strictly maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specification. For Core with solid fuel and G60 vented firestops, this distance in 60mm and with G50 vented firestops this is 50mm.

Ventilation: To prevent heat build-up, any enclosure must be ventilated using the appropriate ventilated fire stops and support components (see p.38).

Compliance: All installations must comply with Document J (England & Wales), Part F (Northern Ireland), and Section 3 of the Scottish Building Standards

SUPPORT COMPONENTS

The weight of a chimney system is considerable and requires independent support. Minimal weight should be borne by the appliance. The weight of the chimney can be supported from floor level, or from the wall by using retrofit wall supports; or from first floor level by using a support plate and clamp fixed to the floor/ceiling joists.

Wall brackets are non-load bearing and provide lateral support only. Refer to the load bearing tables on p.51 for full details of maximum loadings. Suitable wall fixings must be used (not provided with brackets).

A maximum height of 2m can be achieved, using the standard locking bands provided on each pipe joint, where the flue is free-standing above the roof.

Alternatively, guy wire brackets can be used at the 1.5m level and every 1.5m thereafter in conjunction with guy wires, or telescopic stays (see p.30 or rigid stays provided by others).

CHIMNEY TERMINATION

For full information relating to chimney termination, please refer to Annex D of BS EN 15287-1. As a guide please refer to page p.38-39 of these installation instructions.

TERMINALS

All terminals must be secured with the use of a locking band. On solid fuel appliances, an open termination is normally recommended. However, in certain conditions, rain caps, round tops or anti- downdraught terminals may be used. Rain caps and anti-splash anti-downdraught terminals are with mesh, therefore there is a risk of soot build up. Regular cleaning is required to avoid blockages particularly when using oil or solid fuel.

APPLIANCE CONNECTION

The appliance should be removable, without the need to dismantle the flue system, (apart from connection pipes or Core appliance adaptor / stove starter pipes).

FLUE DRAUGHT TESTING

If appliance does not have a dedicated test point then it is the installers responsibility to contact the appliance manufacturer and ask how they wish this test to be conducted, and install necessary test point components.

All Core system starter sections include a test point.

STANDARD CHIMNEY SECTIONS (PIPES, TEES AND BENDS)

Before assembling chimney sections, loosen the locking band by lifting the clip. Push the interlocking collars together and push fit into position. Position the locking band so that it grips both collars then fasten using the clip.

Important: Joints must NOT occur within floor or ceiling spaces and the joint needs to be at least 150mm down from the ceiling

All flue gas carrying components must be installed with the direction arrow on the product label pointing to termination with the external male collar uppermost.

NON-VENTILATED BUNGALOW FIRESTOP

Installed as per a ventilated firestop using the fixing holes provided (see above). Distance to combustibles must be respected - see p.14 for further info.

SUPPORT PLATE WITH S/S CLAMP BAND (NON-COMBUSTIBLE FLOOR)

The support plate is used where the chimney passes through a non-combustible floor, and the weight of the chimney has to be taken at floor level. The support plate must be firmly fixed to the floor using bolts or screws provided by others. For Load Bearing Data refer to table on p.51.

FIRE STOP PLATE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE FLOOR)

This fire stop plate is used exclusively where the chimney passes through a non-combustible floor. The two halves of the plate are located around the chimney section and fastened to the floor using bolts or screws provided by others.

TESTING AND COMMISSIONING PRIOR TO FIRST USE

A flue flow test (Smoke Test) must be performed as outlined in BS EN 15287-1. In addition to this, a draught measurement must also be taken and recorded to verify that the installed system fulfils the draft requirements specified by the appliance manufacturer for the specific appliance.

APPLIANCE OPERATION

Appliance slumbering must be avoided, and if the appliance has been run on low fire conditions for an extended period, then it is advisable to run the appliance at controlled high fire condition for a minimum period of at least 30 minutes afterwards. Prolonged slumbering of the appliance at all times is a contributing factor to a system chimney failure. It is important to maintain sufficiently high flue gas temperatures in order to avoid condensate and acid corrosion problems, and to ensure complete combustion of the fuel at all times. If corrosion occurs due to slumbering, then the guarantee will be invalidated on the system.

MAINTENANCE

Each chimney must be designed to allow for easy inspection; sweeping should be carried out by competent persons. On solid fuel applications this includes HETAS, OFTEC, NAPIT or APHC registered installers.

Chimney flue cleaning and inspection require the use of appropriate tooling – under no circumstances should chemical cleaners or mild steel tools be used to sweep stainless steel chimneys.

Cleaning/inspection of any chimney system should be carried out at least once a year, along with maintenance of the appliance, but it is recommended that chimneys serving solid fuel appliances be swept at least twice a year, at the end of the heating season to remove any deposits, which may have built up during the season, and prior to the start of the next heating season to ensure that the flue way is clear of any blockages such as birds’ nests etc.

We would advise that monthly checks are carried out to ensure that there is no build-up of any deposits in the flue way of the connecting flue pipe or system chimney.

During prolonged periods on non-use, stoves should be left with air vents in the fully open position. Stove doors can also be left ajar, or opened for occasional airing

PAINTED PRODUCTS

Painted products are relatively maintenance free however should the product require cleaning then please follow the guidelines below:

Ensure the system has fully cooled down as the paint may have softened due to exposure to high temperatures and this will prevent unintended damage to the paintwork.

Carefully remove any loose surface deposits with a wet sponge (taking care not to scratch the painted surface).

Use a soft brush (non-abrasive) or a lint free cloth and a diluted solution of a mild detergent, e.g., ph-neutral liquid hand dish-washing detergent in warm water (DO NOT use solvents or aggressive household cleaners) and wipe down.

To remove all remaining residues, finish off with a wipe down using a clean lint free cloth with fresh water

FUEL STORAGE AND USAGE

Where solid fuels are being used, correct storage is critical and fuels must be kept dry, and off the ground. Wood must be seasoned prior to use, with a maximum moisture content of 20%. Only approved fuels should be used. Refer to HETAS list for details on www.hetas.co.uk. The fuel used must be suitable for the appliance - please refer to manufacturer’s instructions.

NOTICE PLATE FOR CORE PRODUCT

The Notice plate should be marked up in indelible ink and securely fixed in an unobtrusive but obvious position within the building such as: Next to the electricity consumer unit. Next to the chimney installation described. Next to the water supply stop-cock.

PRODUCT GUARANTEE

We are confident in our products and so offer you (the owner) a generous guarantee in relation to the Core system (the System). Provided that you comply in full with Your Responsibilities (below) and subject to the Small Print, we guarantee to you that the System will be free from defects for whichever is the greater of:

A period equal to the guarantee period of the appliance to which the chimney is first connected; or 10 years. For example, if your System is fitted to an appliance with a guarantee period of 10 years, we will still guarantee your System for 10 years.

In the unlikely event that the System becomes defective during the guarantee period, we will provide a like-for-like replacement for free (subject to your compliance with Your Responsibilities and subject to the Small Print). If the same model is no longer available, we will replace it with a suitable alternative:

Correctly sized and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, current Building Regulations and relevant British and European standards.

Maintained correctly by a qualified and competent person and maintenance records kept updated for both appliance and system chimney.

Used in combination with an appliance burning only approved fuels in accordance with Schiedel Chimney Systems and the appliance manufacturer’s instructions.

The product registration must have been entered in by an appropriately qualified installer (see p.4 for details) online using our Schiedelrewards.co.uk portal. We no longer accept paper registrations

For recommended fuels listings, please refer to the HETAS Guide www.hetas.co.uk

In the event of a fault developing in the product due to defective materials or faulty manufacture Schiedel Chimney Systems undertake to replace the product only.

Schiedel Chimney Systems cannot accept liability nor take any responsibility for the installation, building or redecorating costs or any other consequential losses arising. If any complaint is found to be a result of faulty installation, non-compliance with or abuse contrary to these conditions, the cost of site investigation is chargeable.