While all of Ideal Boilers’ products have always been fully compliant with European regulations, a consequence of the introduction of The Building (Amendment) Regulations SI 2018/1230 in December 2018 was that all gas boiler flue systems available on the market were no longer deemed to be compliant for high-rise buildings.

This was because all flue systems comprised an internal polypropylene plastic inner flue duct, which was deemed to be a combustible material under the new regulations.

In several instances senior fire officers have determined that it is acceptable to use pre-existing Ideal Boilers flues with polypropylene inner ducts for high rise buildings, under the clause eight opt out for public buildings.

Ideal Boilers has also been working with the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) to ask the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to review the regulation exemptions, which currently include door and window frames.

However, obtaining exemptions or seeking changes to regulations can be a lengthy process, so to allow boiler installations to continue as soon as possible Ideal Boilers has developed a new, compliant solution.

As of October 02, Ideal Boilers is able to supply a flue which complies with the revised regulations for use with all Ideal Logic and Vogue boilers.

The newly-developed flue solution uses an inner aluminium flue duct rather than the previous polypropylene plastic version, which has been already classified as an A1 material and is therefore compliant with the revised legislation covering materials allowed as part of the makeup of external walls.

Dr Elaine Lancaster, chief technical officer at Ideal Boilers said: “We are fully supportive of the government’s efforts to improve the safety of high rise buildings.

“The unintended impact of the new building regulations has been effectively to prohibit the installation or replacement of gas boilers in all buildings over six storeys or 18m – although exceptions can be made by local authorities on a case by case basis. As we enter the colder months of the year this could be particularly concerning for housing providers and occupiers.

“With this new flue, we have ensured that there is now a solution available which complies with the amended building regulations, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to excellence and ensuring that people remain warm and comfortable throughout the winter.”