Solid fuel (wood) burner (closed firebox) – flue is not gastight

Solid fuel burner/wood burner (closed firebox) – flue is not gastight

Causes

Joints have opened in flue due to expansion and contraction

Listed under: heating, solid fuel burners, Services, chimneys and flues and fireplaces

Cause

Joints have opened in flue due to expansion and contraction

Repair

  • call an experienced installer to inspect the flue and advise whether repairs are possible or the flue should be replaced. You can find a list of installers on the website of the New Zealand Home Heating Association

  • new flue installation must comply with the standard AS/NZS 2918:2018 Domestic solid fuel burning appliances – Installation regarding flue clearance requirements etc.

  • if you have just moved into a property where the flue of an older woodburner is not gastight, ask the installer to check the condition of the firebox as well

  • have the flue cleaned out at least once a year. Poorly maintained and dirty flues are a cause of house fires each year

  • note that if a solid fuel burner is operated in a dangerous condition, house insurance may not cover any resulting damage

  • you can find more details in the BRANZ bulletin BU654 Installation and maintenance of solid fuel appliances

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