visual nuisance

[flaming]

A new occupant of the flat below mine has installed a condenser boiler from which emit trails of steam whenever the boiler operates - a lot at present. The steam blows upwards and across all my windows.  Suddenly it is like living above a laundry.  The flue has been moved from the original place to a new spot below one of my windows, although it is arguable how much less of a visual nuisance it would have been if the steam had exited a few metres further away.  Also the new flue is the legally required distance from my window - just - and the Landlords do not seem concerned that a new hole has been punched in the building wall.  The occupant argues that it is healthier for me to have the environmentally healthier steam than something I could not see but which would have been "dirtier".  My last letter asking whether something could be done to mitigate the visual nuisance has been ignored.  It seems there is nothing I can do.  It is irritating because my studio room is small and the five windows span one wall, so there's no getting away from it during spasmodic time-spans of the day.   When my windows are open the steam, can be drawn in somewhat.  Also I think my flat has been devalued because if I wanted to sell it any prospective buyers could be put off by the sight of the steam.  Of course, in time it will become a common problem, as the new-type boilers become  widely installed.  Has anyone any comments please?

[The Tiggster]

We have one of the flue's that you mention but we are in a house so it doesn't matter, however my Dad has a rather natty flue that has a fan built into it to push the steam further away from the building. He was required to fit this because there is a bedroom (of his) above the flue.

It does whurr a bit, butit does work. Perhaps your downstairs neighbours could consider this?

Good luck.

[caramba22242]

An inexpensive compromise would be fitting a sheet metal elbow on top of the end of the flue to route it horizontally away from your window, connect a straight section of tubing to this elbow until it is clear of your window, Now add another elbow to redirect the flow vertically again and finally a section of tubing to the desired height.Any metal fabricator should be able to do the tubing. Hope this makes sense.

The pipe coming up under your window would be re-routed either to the left or right for a metre or so before being re directed upwards again

[Diane]

I would check with the Council about regulations on this type of flue. I know in some areas they are not permitted to cause a nuisance to the neighbours. Also if they are ingnoring reasonable requests and letters then I would see the Citizens Advice for help or if necessary, consult a Solicitor. Many do "Fixed Fee" consultations so it doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Good Luck.