old boiler vent hole left open on internal wall

[advice-please]

We have had a new boiler installed by a very reputable company (at least going by the checkatrade reviews), but we have a number of outstanding issues. One issue is that they had to drill a new vent hole. The old vent hole has been bricked up on the outside wall, and completed very well, but on further investigation at the top of the new boiler, no attempt has been made to fill the inside wall. The cavity looks to have had the insulation material moved across in to it, but the inner wall has an approx 100mm diameter hole remaining, together with an unsealed gap to the dry lining. Although the installers have said they will rectify this whilst doing another visit, my concerns are that if I had not got on a step stool to look we would not have been aware of this. Is it safe to be left like this from a fume point of view, and even a fire safety point? Also if a job is completed and left like this, does this look like work that has been completed by a professional company that to quote their website is 'obsessive about quality'.

 

[gasmanstu72]

it's no big deal from a 'fume' point of view. its just laziness.
what he should've done was to take the bit of plasterboard he cut out when he made the new hole and used it to patch the old.
now he has an awkward little repair to do.

 

[muggles]

Could you possibly take a slightly darker photo? I can very nearly see some detail in the one you've provided...

It's probably safe although it could have limited his options for getting a decent fixing in the wall for the hanging bracket.

Are we right to think that he lobbed this on the wall in a single day, and possibly ran out of time so left some finishing bits he hoped you wouldn't notice?

 

[advice-please]

Yes, sorry about the poor photo. Will try and get a better one up this evening. Indeed the boiler was fitted on the first day, and the gas connection tested, but not filled with water. Another fitter came out on second day to do the new vent hole, and I am guessing did not want to disturb the plumbing work already completed. The result is a large hole in the inner wall and the plasterboard lining which will now be difficult to get to as the boiler is in the way. My main concern is is this safe from a fire point of view - I know that fire can spread easily in open cavities, and in the void behind the dry lined plasterboard.

 

[FiremanT]

You lost me on "reputable according to check strade", TBH.


You may be better addressing the fire risk question on the Builders area. I wouldn't have thought it is a fire risk, but do not consider myself qualified to give a dogmatic answer.

I do wonder when this "next visit" will be due. Get them back to finish properly now - the longer you wait, the least likely a fair outcome.

All IMO, of course

 

[advice-please]

Hi all. Many thanks for the help so far. I have now re-posted to the builder forum as suggested. I have added some additional photos in case anyone has more thoughts here. I am mostly concerned if left like this is it a fire hazard. Peeling away the rubber gasket from the new flue shows this hole has not been back filled around the flue either. Is this acceptable practice?

 

[dilalio]

Ha! Try getting an electrician to make good after he's done

Its one of "those" really... You've raised it with the installers, they've said they'll rectify it, which I'd take as their acceptance that it's not complete... Just push them to return and sort it. Ask when their next visit is and get it in the diary. Don't dwell too much on what if's.

 

[FiremanT]

Hi all. Many thanks for the help so far. I have now re-posted to the builder forum as suggested. I have added some additional photos in case anyone has more thoughts here. I am mostly concerned if left like this is it a fire hazard. Peeling away the rubber gasket from the new flue shows this hole has not been back filled around the flue either. Is this acceptable practice?

although it use to be common practice, it is now not allowed. The space should be filed with mortar.

Your "reputable" installers also appear to have "forgotten" to screw the flue. Observe the small hole on the flue clamp. 3rd Image. 5486.JPG

 

[dilalio]

3rd Image. 5486.JPG

Well spotted Ft... Fu¢k specsavers