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Velvet Digest

Can a boiler flue go through a roof?

Author

Ava Hall

Updated on May 17, 2026

As well as being installed horizontally, flues can be installed vertically through a roof, but come with their own issues. If you're getting one installed, make sure that you're kept informed by a professional. The flue has limited access if it's installed vertically.

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Subsequently, one may also ask, can a boiler flue go through a flat roof?

You need the "Vertical Flue Kit" to go with your boiler. Flat roofs do not present an installation problem as such, but in practice they can be problematic due to pooling of water on them. Making a hole in any flat roof makes me nervous .

Also, how far does a flue need to be above a roof? The chimney should extend at least 3 feet above the roof surface it penetrates and 2 feet higher than any roofline or other obstacle within a horizontal distance of 10 feet. Taller chimneys make more draft, but chimneys exposed to outside cold don't. See our section on chimneys.

Also know, where should a boiler flue be placed?

Flue position Depending on the size of the boiler, the flue must be positioned a certain distance from the nearest window, door, or air brick. Typically this is around 30-60cm if it's to the side or above the opening, and a bit more if it's below.

Are fumes from a boiler flue dangerous?

Boiler flues are a crucial part of your heating system. They are a way for combustion fumes that have been created by your boiler to be released outside the home. If your boiler isn't burning the gas correctly, carbon monoxide could be produced too. Boilers are made to be safe, and these gases shouldn't harm you.

Related Question Answers

What comes out of a condensing boiler flue?

During the operation of condensing boilers, exhaust gases are expelled out of the flue; a condensing boiler is able to extract and use much of the heat from the gases before the flue gases discharge. This ability to extract more heat from the fuel it consumes makes it more efficient and also reduces emissions.

How many bends can a boiler flue have?

Certain flues and certain boilers allow for different lengths. Some can run up to six metres, whilst others can allow for 12 metres. The number of bends an affect this quite a lot. Every 90 degree bend counts as two metres, and every 45 degree bend counts as another metre.

Does a combi boiler have a flue?

If you have a boiler, whether that be a combi boiler, regular boiler or system boiler – then yes, you will have a boiler flue.

How do you seal a flue?

Vacuum around the seal to remove any residue dust and fire cement pieces etc. Ensure that the stove lid and collar, as well as the flue pipe, is protected before you apply the new fire cement. Use masking tape around the top and bottom of the seal so that the fire cement can be applied with a neat straight edge.

How do you tell if your boiler flue is blocked?

Step 1 - Check Inside the Heater Wipe around the edge of the pipe using a cloth. If it appears oxidized, or there are white stains around the mouth of the flue, this can indicate that it is blocked. You may also notice a bad smell, or have your carbon monoxide alarm sound, if you have one.

Why is my boiler flue dripping?

The flue should rise from the boiler at a 3 degrees angle so that the condensation can run back into the boiler and out through the drain. If it is dripping then it is likely that the flue is sitting straight through the wall. We don't know yet if the OP's boiler is a steamer.

Do you need a new flue with a new boiler?

Yes, you do need to replace the flue when replacing any boiler even if the same brand. This is to keep it in line with manufacturers specifications and Building regulations. The washers on the combustion side of the flue (inner section) perish over time and can leak and cause damage to the rest of the flue.

Can I extend my gas boiler flue?

The flue terminal is about 850 mm long and is normally cut shorter when installed. If yours exits behind the boiler then all that is likely to be needed is a new terminal. Otherwise if 850 mm is not long enough then an extension can be fitted to lengthen the existing terminal unit.

How close can a boiler flue be to a boundary?

600mm

Can I paint my boiler flue?

Many people spray their flue pipe with matt black heat resistant spray paint to match their stove. Our heat resistant spray paint is designed for working temperatures of up to 600°C. You should not paint flue pipe before it is in situ. This is because the paint goes through it's final curing process when it gets hot.

How high does a flue need to be?

A height of 4.5 meters is recommended as a minimum height for a chimney stack or flue although other factors need to be taken into consideration such as the roof height, adjacent buildings, roof windows and the material the roof is constructed from.

How high does a wood burner flue need to be?

The minimum chimney height recommended for minimum performance of wood burning and multi fuel appliances is 4.5 m from the top of the appliance to the top of the chimney. It is best to position the chimney, so that it goes straight up as near to the roof ridge as possible.

How far should a flue be from a window?

Flue position Depending on the size of the boiler, the flue must be positioned a certain distance from the nearest window, door, or air brick. Typically this is around 30-60cm if it's to the side or above the opening, and a bit more if it's below.

Should boiler flue smell of gas?

The smell of gas is actually added in as a safety feature because gas itself is odourless. So what they were smelling was the unburnt chemical that was coming from the flue. This is actually fairly normal. So if you want a professional gas boiler engineer to check over your boiler system, give JSL Heating a call today.