A new website has been launched by the BFCMA (British Flue and Chimney Manufacturers Association) in response to increasing growth in the number of flue and chimney installations for wood burning appliances.
Increasingly heating engineers are seeking to add the installation of wood burning stoves as one of their competences. The new website at www.bfcma.co.uk includes a downloadable document giving guidance on the selection and installation on flues and chimneys.

The site provides an overview of the different types of chimneys and flues available, with links to individual BFCMA members' websites for a more detailed explanation of the products and how they should be used. There are also standard installations drawings showing how the different types of flues and chimneys should be installed with wood burning appliances. The regulations for wood burning and solid fuel are different to those for gas and oil appliances, as are some of the flues that can be used and the association says it is important that the appropriate flue or chimney is installed with an appliance.

Also included on the website is an up-to-date listing of latest flue and chimney standards, which can be used as a reference point for installers and specifiers.

Guidance is also provided on the new standard for clay chimney liners. The standard was revised in 2012 into two parts to cover liners both non-condensing and condensing appliances. People can become confused by the CE designation for stainless steel flues so there is a clear explanation of the coding system used to specify the different classes of flue.

The website and the guide have been developed to give installers and people thinking of buying a wood burning appliance a better understanding of what is involved in correctly flueing a wood burning stove. There are sections on the design, installation and maintenance of flues and chimneys. The guidance given is line with the training given to installers by HETAS.

This is the first stage in a series of initiatives designed to provide clear information on the installation and use of chimneys and flues. Already planned for 2013 are guidance on the flueing of pellet boilers and an overview of the new UK annex to the installation standard for chimneys (BSEN1528). The publication of the guidance on the flueing of pellet boilers is timed to meet the anticipated increase in demand for pellet boilers through the Green Deal initiative. By simply registering on the BFCMA website people can receive these documents when they are published.