Flue pipe removal

[sotal]

There is an old flue pipe that runs up the cavity in the wall and out through the roof.

On the top there is a metal sphere that spins.

The house is about 44 years old.

The gas fire is no longer there, the metal sphere makes a noise in the wind as I think the bearings have gone. The metal sphere is also leaning at an angle.

I want to remove the sphere and get it capped. What do I need to cap it with?

Can the flue pipe be removed in the loft? Did they make these from asbestos?

I've attached some pictures of the flue pipe.

 

[Madrab]

Did they make these from asbestos?

Yes they did and there's a good possibility that yours is - would need tested to be sure though.

Can the flue pipe be removed in the loft

Yes it can but how depends on the answer above, what condition it's in (looks pretty good TBH) and therefore what approach would need to be taken.

The spinner cowl can be removed from the top and the flue capped with a piece of slate and mortar, ideally though it should be removed and roof made good

 

[sotal]

Yes they did and there's a good possibility that yours is - would need tested to be sure though.

Yes it can but how depends on the answer above, what condition it's in (looks pretty good TBH) and therefore what approach would need to be taken.

The spinner cowl can be removed from the top and the flue capped with a piece of slate and mortar, ideally though it should be removed and roof made good

Thanks, I have a spare ridge tile. It looks like the current setup is a ridge tile with a hole through, so I think that a roofer could replace the ridge tile.

Access isn't the easiest though, that's why I was wondering if it could just be pulled off and replaced with a cap of some sort. I saw some called a chimfit which has a springy but that pushes into a chimney. Just wasn't 100% sure if it would fit in a flue pipe.

 

[vulcancontinental]

I would say I have no doubt that flue is asbestos. Depending on your local authority they may accept it double-bagged and sealed at the local tidy tip, some will not and reject it out of hand. You need to wet it, remove it without breaking it or creating dust then use the correctly labelled bags sealed. If your council does not have a policy to help you have a problem, stop an asbestos removal van if you see one and ask if they'll lend you a couple of bags and take it as a favour fro a few quid otherwise it'll be expensive.

 

[Madrab]

If you're attempting it yourself - you must use gloves and at least an FFP2 mask. Wash yourself and your clothes thoroughly, immediately afterwards.

Loads of advice online on how to deal with it and transport it - you can also get a list of recycling areas online that will accept it, as long as it is packaged as described above.