8
Distance to Combustibles
In accordance with building regulations, it is essential that the correct distance to combustible material is maintained.
On
solid fuel
applications, where there is a risk of soot fire, a distance of
60mm to combustibles
must be
maintained within a
combustible floor
and within a
combustible shaft
(see Fig.1 below).There is no need to
line the area within the floor cavity with plasterboard; however the
ventilated fire stop plate
and
ventilated
support plate
must be used.
On
gas and oil
applications, a distance of
50mm to combustibles
must be maintained within a
combustible
floor
and within a
combustible shaft
. The
ventilated fire stop plate
and
ventilated support plate
must be used.
Where the chimney penetrates a
non combustible
floor and where a
non combustible
shaft is used, a
distance of
50mm to the shaft
is sufficient. In this case,
non ventilated fire stop plates and support
plates
may be used with a
ventilated fire stop
being used where the chimney penetrates into the
roof space
.
On bungalow applications where the chimney runs through either a combustible or non-combustible ceiling, an
unventilated bungalow fire stop plate kit can be used. Please note that an unventilated support plate can not be
used above the ceiling in this case. The weight of the chimney should be supported using the roof support (see p.19).
Distance to combustibles must be respected within the ceiling space (see Fig. 2 below) and mesh frame should be used
within the loft space, which must be ventilated (see Fig. 2 below).
Enclosure/Shafts
With the exception of the room containing the appliance, where the chimney passes through any part of the
building, where there is a risk of accidental human contact, i.e a bedroom etc., or where there is a risk of contact with
combustible materials stored in a cupboard or in the roof-space, the chimney must be enclosed in an appropriate way
to meet Building Regulations. This can be achieved by boxing in the chimney in habitable rooms, or by the use of a
protective wire mesh frame in roof spaces etc. In all cases the minimum distance to any combustible material, including
loft insulation, must be respected according to the table on p.1, and any enclosure should be ventilated using the
appropriate ventilated fire stops (see p.13).
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Internal House
Combustible Floors
Internal Bungalow (Ventilated Loft Space)
Combustible and Non-Combustible Floors
