Old hot air heating flue

[scov44UK]

Hi I was wondering if you could provide me with help/your advice regarding an issue I have with a redundant flue from a old hot air heating system (was removed years a go).

I was in the loft and noticed the flue collapsed from the wall to the vent in the lofts roof. It looks like it snapped near the end connecting to the wall.

As the flue is cement type material and from the early 70's, I'm guessing it could contain asbestos. So I plan to double bag the flue up and dispose of it at specialist asbestos site (wearing mask/gloves etc). Also throwing away any loft insulation that may have dust on (it's minimal).

The flue from the loft wall runs in the wall down to under the stairs where the old hot air system used to be. The issue I have is can I cover up the flue exit from the loft wall and the section going into the vent in the loft roof? I thought about using expanding foam or cap it off or box the areas.

Concerns I have is that damp could appear in the wall near the stairs where the flue is if I cap it off or fill it with expandable foam.

Please can I have your thoughts?

I've just been made redundant :-( so ideally I would like to rectify this issue myself, if possible.

 

[scov44UK]

please see pics

 

[SimonG]

Get it tested and don't mess about with it if it's asbestos. Get a company in.

 

[scov44UK]

Get it tested and don't mess about with it if it's asbestos. Get a company in.

Testing the flue that's fallen off? Can't I just dispose of if I take the recommended measures? There's a facility down the road.

 

[king of pipes]

Looks very much like asbestos to me my advice if your in doubt treat it as asbestos removal and disposal should be by a licenced contractor . Kop

 

[scov44UK]

Looks very much like asbestos to me my advice if your in doubt treat it as asbestos removal and disposal should be by a licenced contractor . Kop

Thanks. My council actually accepts small amounts of asbestos products like that.

The flue that's in the wall looks unbroken. So do you think I should fill it with expanding foam? or just leave it? Removing it would be a massive job as it runs all the way down the wall near the stairs.

Thanks

 

[Riley]

Protect yourself get someone in

 

[scov44UK]

For asbestos cement you don't need a licensed individual -

Where can you find asbestos? Asbestos cement

I might get it tested to make sure but I'll just do it myself rather than pay £1000's to take a pipe to the tip! Maybe I'm being naive but if I take the recommended steps then it should be fine.

 

[Riley]

No one on here is going to say it’s ok as you’re clearly inexperienced. Also how do you know it costs thousands?? Get a quote

 

[scov44UK]

No one on here is going to say it’s ok as you’re clearly inexperienced. Also how do you know it costs thousands?? Get a quote

I'll get a quote, the estimate is from a similar scenario I've found on the net.

HSE guidelines are there for reason and based on risk.

 

[SimonG]

Correct. Don't need a licensed company for asbestos cement.

However, you do need to be trained (says in the link you posted) and photos show that it has broken up.

Can't understand how anybody would want to risk not just their own safety but also the safety of others.

 

[Riley]

Usually for those that are competent and trained you are neither

 

[scov44UK]

ok thanks. I'll make some enquiries.

I'll probably just cap the flues that are left in the wall / roof, unless told otherwise.

 

[Riley]

Good choice buddy. We’re not nagging we all genuinely care about customer safety that’s all

 

[ShaunCorbs]

sorted