Chimney stack and loft boarding

[bagstone]

In the process of boarding the loft. I'm not sure how to deal with the chimney stack: I left a bit of a gap between joists and chimney, about 5cm, see here:

But when I put the boards down, I thought it will look super silly if I also leave a gap, so for now (can always cut back more) the boards go pretty much up to the chimney. 18mm OSB panels from Wickes. The chimney has a flue inside, so I assume it won't get too hot?

I've already sent an email to my chimney sweeper to ask him for advice and I might just fire up the wood burner tonight and "feel" how hot it gets, but I'm curious to get some opinions on here. Thanks!

 

[blup]

Chimney stacks shouldn't get hot, unless they're on fire, which your test will determine. Assume you have had it swept and this will continue to be done regularly. That said. I would still leave a conduction gap.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Yes as above, if the brick's getting hot there's something wrong. Timber is often tightly fitted to chimneys.

 

[bagstone]

Tested yesterday, fire in full blaze in the woodburner, the chimney stack was super cold. Also what the chimney sweep responded, even before flues the bricks wouldn't get hot.

Chimney stacks shouldn't get hot, unless they're on fire, which your test will determine. Assume you have had it swept and this will continue to be done regularly. That said. I would still leave a conduction gap.

May I ask what a conduction gap is, where you would leave it, and how wide? I'm kind of inclined to not cut anything off the loft boards because I fitted them so neatly around the chimney and it means I don't have to put much on the chimney (maybe just a bit of plaster and that's it), losing not anymore space around there.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

You would leave a small expansion gap, which you have, leave it as it is, it's fine.

 

[bagstone]

Thank you! So glad this can go ahead now

 

[blup]

Tested yesterday, fire in full blaze in the woodburner, the chimney stack was super cold. Also what the chimney sweep responded, even before flues the bricks wouldn't get hot.

That's good

May I ask what a conduction gap is,

Not a technical terms, simply a reference to the board not touching the brick, or leaving a small gap but your test hasn't thrown up any obvious issues