Siting of boiler vent

[Markus77]

I wonder if anyone could help me with a general enquiry regarding the regulations on the positioning of a boiler vent from an oil powered boiler.

The problem I have is that our neighbour has recently had a side extension built and has moved their boiler to the wall of the extension which is sited approx. 10ft from our property (the boundary being about half way between). Our house is a little unusual in that the front door is at the side of our property and as such the vent from our neighbour’s boiler is now about 10ft from our front door, pointing more or less at it.

I am concerned on two fronts, firstly the noise level from the boiler (which sounds more like an industrial boiler than domestic) is very high coming through our front door and also through the windows of our lounge (which is on the same side with the vent pointing at it). It really is very loud and disturbing to us, we can't even hear the tele anymore!! I am also concerned as to what fumes and gases are now being directed at our front door from the boiler.

The boiler is a non condensing type and whilst I suppose that it has been moved and sited in accordance with regulations, I wonder if anyone could advise what the regulations are in respect to distances from adjacent properties (well distances from front doors!) of boiler vents of this type or point me to somewhere where I could find out some more information?

I have spoken to our neighbours on several occasions about the problem ( in fact we did ask before the extension was built if the boiler could not be put on the wall facing us!), to ask if some ducting could be added to direct the vent upwards, but have not made any progress so far in getting this done.

Thanks in advance for any advice or pointers.

[ChuckFickens]

Does it count for boilers that have been moved though?

[Markus77]

Thanks for the answers... It was not a new boiler, they had their old one moved. I know it's non condensing because of the flue, no condensate and the fact that the boiler is over ten years old, plus they told me it was not condensing. I don't know the make and model tho.

[The Builder]

Couple of things you could do Markus. If you go on to this site.............

http://www.planningpo...uments/partj/approved

Document J has loads on this. You'll have to wade through fireplaces and flues etc until you come to the boiler section.
If that's a bit daunting, talk to the local Building Control guy who inspected the extension. (Local Planning Dept. District Council)

High-level flue outlet kits are available to raise the final outlet up out of the way.
I guess, if it came to it, you could even offer to pay to raise the outlet. For the sake of a quiet life and some good karma with the neighbour, it may be worth it.

[Hymie]

I believe that any exhaust must be at least 1 metre from your property (but don’t quote me on that).

Personally I would not be worried about an exhaust at 10 ft from my property. During the last winter, the exhaust plume from my boiler was clearly visible – I would estimate that the gases got not much further than 1 metre from my property by the time they had reached the eves.

With regards the noise, my advice would be to get the environmental health people from your local council round to advise on whether they believe the noise to be a problem. If they think it unacceptable then they will resolve it (with your neighbour) – otherwise you are stuck with it.

[AlBags]

The discharge should point down. That will be the 3-bar pressure outlet I presume. In practice you would never see this go.
In other aspects, it is likely to comply.

[Markus77]

Al Bags... The vent point straights out not downwards... I'm not sure what you mean by ' In practice you would never see this go.', could you clarify?