I live in a house which is one of a terrace of three three-storey houses. The house beside mine has a gas flue expelling clouds of steam all day. This cloud passes my kitchen, dining room and a third-floor bedroom window. Is there any way this could be directed towards my neighbour’s own house?
Andrew O'Gorman writes: Your neighbour's gas boiler flue appears to emit carbon dioxide and water vapour in the form of smoke.
From the information provided, the smoke cloud emitted from the flue is trapped along the rear of your home. As a result, the smoke lingers around for longer than it should. I also note you mention that the flue is emitting smoke all day long. You are right to be concerned as the inhalation of this smoke could pose a health and safety risk.
There are specific requirements in place for the installation of gas boilers and flues and these require minimum distances a flue should be positioned from a window and door openings (NSAI Irish Standards IS 813 for gas boilers and Building Regulations Part J)
Without detailed information being provided on the position of the flue, I am unsure whether your neighbour’s flue has been correctly positioned away from window and door openings. However, from reading your query, I do believe that it would not make much difference to your situation.
A standard gas boiler is flued out through the wall of a dwelling generally at above window head height. This arrangement is sufficient in most cases and the smoke dissipates without causing annoyance.
However, in your situation, it would appear the smoke emitted from your neighbour’s flue is forced to hang around outside your house. The reason for this appears, in my opinion, due to the physical arrangement of the houses.
I recommend you consider having a friendly chat with your neighbour to explain the issue and the annoyance the smoke issue is causing you. Assuming your neighbour’s boiler and flue pipe are presented in good working condition, then you could suggest that they consider a repair solution.
A solution to the problem could be to simply install an extension to the existing flue pipe. This repair measure would involve extending the existing flue pipe up along the rear wall of the house so that it is positioned away from window and door openings. When installed, the new flue will facilitate the extraction of smoke away from the rear of the dwellings.
Before you speak with your neighbour, consider your own boiler flue position, and see whether it is causing any similar annoyance to your surrounding neighbours also. You too may also need to carry out similar works.
I recommend you consult with a chartered building surveyor for site-specific guidance on the matter.
It is essential only trained and registered professionals be engaged for working with gas boilers. A list of registered contractors can be sought from the 'Register of Gas Installers of Ireland' (rgii.ie).
