Change Fireplace Hearth or Flue
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If I want to alter in any way the construction of fireplaces, hearths or flues, or to repair them in any way that could affect their safe operation and containment of heat, will the building regulations apply?
YES - If the work involves the provision of a new or replacement flue or flue liner, or the provision of a new or replacement hearth, fireplace or chimney.
If you employ an installer registered with a competent person scheme to carry out the work you will not need to involve the building control department.
Please follow this link for a list of registered competent schemes.
NO - If the work amounts to no more than alterations to fireplaces, hearths, flues and chimneys it may not be subject to the building regulations. However, this type of work should always take account of the guidance in Approved Document J (combustion appliances and fuel storage systems). It is vital that the flue should operate efficiently, and that risks of the building catching fire, or of people suffering burns should be minimised.
Current guidance in Approved Document J calls for the provision of a carbon monoxide detector to rooms with new solid fuel appliances.
Page last updated: 04/10/2011
