Menu
Chimneys, flues and ducts are rarely straight, vary in shape, length, diameter and do not stay pressure tight or water tight forever. That doesn't necessarily mean there is a requirement for a complete strip out and replacement. Re-lining of existing services can be a great way to avoid disruption to the building and sometimes it is just not possible to gain the access needed for a replacement. Combine this with potential cost savings and a reduced works schedule and the re-lining can start to look like a very attractive option. Re-lining of existing chimneys, flues and ducts isn't always possible, but the benefits of re-lining can certainly make it a worthwhile investigating.
Previously, available lining systems for re-lining of chimneys, flues and ducts offered limitations due to their rigid nature and installation method involved. Re-lining generally meant a significant reduction in flue size which subsequently lead to a proportionate reduction in the flue gas volumes that the updated flue system/ lining could handle. Domestically, where serving gas or solid fuel fireplaces, the work arounds consisted of either, significantly reducing the fire opening size to reduce the volume of air that could travel through the new flue system, or to install mechanically driven chimney fans to speed up the flow of flue gas running through the system, enabling the flue system to handle larger volumes of flue gas. Commercially, down-sizing a heating appliance wouldn't be an option due to heating systems being designed heat load requirements of the building. The addition of a chimney fan, in most cases, would be the only solution.
Now, we have access to and are factory approved installers of Furanflex which is a glass fibre, reinforced, thermosetting resin. Furanflex is manufactured to order, in Hungary, at lengths of up to 100m and diameters of up to 1m. Wall thicknesses vary dependant on type, from 3mm to 5mm. The manufacturing process leaves a partly completed lining system that can only be completed by factory trained and approved installers once the lining system has been positioned. When ordered, Furanflex will arrive in an uncured, flaccid state, packed and protected in a moisture tight crate. The installation process consists of firstly, positioning the Furanflex lining tube in its intended location which is made easier by the fact it is in a soft state and folded in on itself to reduce the size. It is then inflated to fill the chimney, flue or duct, followed by an injection of low pressured steam. It is the heat from the steam that makes Furanflex soften further, to take the shape of its surroundings and after a number of hours, cure to an irreversible solid state.
The installation process involved, combined with lining technology is what allows re-lining of existing services in a timely manor with minimal disruption to the building and its occupants whilst ensuring the existing chimney, flue or duct is as close to maintaining its original dimensions as possible.
Furanflex is produced in 2 main types with different capabilities, making it a versatile system that will cover most re-lining project requirements.
Over 5 million metres of BSRIA tested, BBA approved and HETAS listed FuranFlex® have been successfully installed in 34 countries worldwide. Moulding to the internal dimensions of the chimney and curing at 3mm thick with a smooth internal surface, FuranFlex® improves the efficiency of the chimney, duct or pipe and maximises the available flue size, ensuring your design opportunities are not restricted.
