Why do I need a vent installing for solid fuel fires and stoves over 5kw and gas fires over 7kw?
Simply put, fireplaces draw better with a vent and it is a requirement of Section J of Building Regulations 2002. Without the vent, chimneys can have issues drawing properly in cold winter months until the flue has warmed up, when it starts to function better. Chimneys that have large sections that are exposed to the elements, for example, external stacks running on the outside of a house, or tall chimneys above the roofline, can have issues drawing when they are cold. The airflow from the vent aids the draw of smoke or fumes going up the chimneys and vastly reduces any issues of smoke spillage. Our fireplace fitters install floor vents and core vents through walls s part of our service. The best locations are near the fireplace, but not within 300mm with some gas fireplaces. By having the vent within close proximity of the stove or fireplace, any cold air would be drawn through the appliance. This would avoid cold air being drawn across a room when the fireplace or stove was not in us