What An Installer Needs To Know About Flex Liners & Fittings

Did you know that, as part of BS EN1856-2, the British standard relating to Metal Flue Liners and Connecting Flue Pipes, testing criteria are set down not just for the flexible liner, but also its fittings?

Schiedel Rite-Vent has 45 years’ experience of manufacturing stainless steel chimneys, liners and accessories. The flexible liner is not a stand-alone product, but together with its fittings, forms an integrated system for the safe lining of an existing chimney.

In BS EN1856-2, clear performance requirements are specified relating, amongst others, to resistance to fire, i.e soot fire, stating that ‘when a flexible liner and its fittings, designated as soot fire resistant’, are tested according to the method laid down in the standard, ‘they shall meet the gas tightness requirements defined in Para 6.3’ of the standard, which specifies maximum leakage rates. Within the standard it is clearly stated that the compliance of a flue liner and fittings should be demonstrated by initial type testing, in an approved test house, and by a system of Factory Production Control (FPC) by the manufacturer, including product assessment to ensure that the manufactured products conform to the stated performance criteria.

Schiedel’s award winning range of innovative screw fit adaptors has been specifically designed to avoid the need to drill and rivet on site. Their TecnoFlex liner has been fully tested and approved, together with its screw fit accessories, to BS EN1856-2 at TuV in Munich. In addition, their product warranty covers TecnoFlex used exclusively together with the tested and approved accessories. When it comes to installing flex liner, David offers the following top tips: • Make sure the chimney has been swept prior to installing the flex tips
• Ensure the chimney stack is in good repair and weatherproof tips
• If in doubt as to the clearance of the liner passing down the stack, use a test length of the appropriate diameter of between 1.5-2m. Attach a screw fit nose cone to each end for ease of removal
• Ensure that the flex liner is fed smoothly into the chimney from the top, maintaining the safe bending radius at all times
• Use the screw fit nose cone to draw the liner down the chimney
• At the top of the stack, when there is an existing chimney pot in good condition, the new combined screw fit terminal and pot hanger provide an easy to install one piece anchor point, to support the flex liner from the chimney pot, without the need for a clamp and plate
• Where the existing pot is to be replaced, the new screw fit terminal can be used in conjunction with the top plate and clamp.
• At the base of the stack, the screw fit closure plate adaptor kit provides an installer-friendly and aesthetic solution on site.

These latest innovations are no surprise from a company with so much experience in the industry. Since its formation, as Rite-Vent Ltd. in 1968, it has maintained its presence as a leading British manufacturer through its continued commitment to product development and rigorous quality standards. Schiedel now sells over 500km of System Chimneys, Connecting Flue Pipes and Chimney Liners in the UK each year and has annual European sales in excess of €200 million.

Current CEO Michael Ball is convinced that, as with any business, both internal and external communication is vital, and that that the level of customer service offered by Schiedel has been key to its success. As the company celebrates its 45th year, his aim, “to strengthen our leading position through the innovation and application of technology, combining with our unrivalled experience and expertise in the field to give added value to customers,” is both a reflection of its roots and a vision for its future.

For more information on Schiedel, its product range and HETAS training centre, contact David Wright on 0191 416 1150 or visit www.schiedel.co.uk