What can I do to disguise this flue?

[Tom]

The flue on this picture comes from my gas Rayburn. As much as I love my Rayburn, I HATE this flue :evil: In my opinion, it completely spoils the look of my house. I can't think of anything I can do to disguise it, other than paint it....but is that even possible? Can anyone think of anything else I could do?

 

[MattW]

I guess that building a false chimney stack around the flue on the right hand apex of the roof faced in stone similar to the rest of the house would be considered architectural vandalism by some?

Out of interest, why aren't there any stacks on the roof? are they concealed on the other side?

 

[Gareth Hughes]

Think seasonal

 

[Tom]

I guess that building a false chimney stack around the flue on the right hand apex of the roof faced in stone similar to the rest of the house would be considered architectural vandalism by some?

There's no way I could support a false chimney, unfortunately.

Out of interest, why aren't there any stacks on the roof? are they concealed on the other side?

Some kind person lopped it down to gutter level during the 'modernisation' programme in the 1960's :evil: The stone is here, ready to re-instate it next year

 

[Tom]

LOL, Gareth!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: If only I could...............

 

[JoceAndChris]

Peacocks! They roost on the roof!

Actually, I think your flue's OK- it's hardly noticeable. I'm more concerned about the scaffolding.

 

[Penners]

Jaqy - I would stop worrying about it. You're the only person who will ever notice it. Things like flues, gutters, light switches, thermostats and all the paraphernalia that go to make up a house are so ubiquitous that people just don't see them, unless they're startlingly unconventional (which this isn't).

I don't honestly think you can disguise the flue cost-effectively, so I should relax and spend the money on chocolate.

 

[Flyfisher]

You could certainly paint it but I'm not sure that would make it much less visible.

I doubt the flue pipe gets terribly hot that far away from your Rayburn so radiator paint might be OK, but that's only a guess.

To be really sure, you could use a car/motorbike exhaust-system paint, which I'm sure would handle the temperature. Easy to apply from a spray can, but I'm not sure about available colours. I've only ever used black.

But, really, I think Penners summed it up. Enjoy the chocolate.

 

[Jon Maine]

I agree, I should not worry about it, although my son James who is sat next to me says you should cover it in cotton wool and call it a low flying cloud. :lol:

However whilst difficult to see properly it would appear that the flue may not be of a safe length stuck out the roof. I am no expert but did try to check and found this

I would get a gas experts opinion as these distances have been designed to stop CO poisoning. ( so until you get it checked don't ask Gareth around for tea and biscuits ).

 

[JoceAndChris]

"although my son James who is sat next to me says you should cover it in cotton wool and call it a low flying cloud."

:lol:

 

[Tom]

Peacocks! They roost on the roof!

I've already had peacocks and wouldn't have them again, although I do think they're beautiful birds.

Actually, I think your flue's OK- it's hardly noticeable. I'm more concerned about the scaffolding.

Thank you for your comment about the flue. The scaffolding is, of course, only temporary whereas the flue is permanent.

 

[Tom]

Jaqy - I would stop worrying about it. You're the only person who will ever notice it. Things like flues, gutters, light switches, thermostats and all the paraphernalia that go to make up a house are so ubiquitous that people just don't see them, unless they're startlingly unconventional (which this isn't).

I don't honestly think you can disguise the flue cost-effectively, so I should relax and spend the money on chocolate.

Thank you, Penners. You may be right but it catches my eye every time I look at the house. I guess I'll just have to learn to ignore it....chocolates are a much better option :lol:

 

[Tom]

I agree, I should not worry about it, although my son James who is sat next to me says you should cover it in cotton wool and call it a low flying cloud. :lol:

Aww bless, what a lovely idea 8)

However whilst difficult to see properly it would appear that the flue may not be of a safe length stuck out the roof. I am no expert but did try to check and found this

I would get a gas experts opinion as these distances have been designed to stop CO poisoning. ( so until you get it checked don't ask Gareth around for tea and biscuits ).

The whole system was installed by a CORGI (now GasSafe) registered company only 2 years or so ago. It might be deceiving on this picture as, I'm almost sure, that looking at it from the side it's above the roof line and well away from the roof itself. I'll double-check it tomorrow.

 

[Jon Maine]

Peacocks! They roost on the roof!

I've already had peacocks and wouldn't have them again, although I do think they're beautiful birds.

Actually, I think your flue's OK- it's hardly noticeable. I'm more concerned about the scaffolding.

Thank you for your comment about the flue. The scaffolding is, of course, only temporary whereas the flue is permanent.

When my wife had her previous house before we met she had a gas system installed, the same engineer came back the next year and failed the safety inspection threatening to shut down the installation until it was updated to the newer standard.

Worth a second opinion as anything with CO involved can be a serious threat to health.

 

[philpjuk100]

Hi Jaqy,Julie and I didnt notice it on tuesday(so much else to see!)thanks again for the tour,julie and phil.

 

[Tom]

Hi Jaqy,Julie and I didnt notice it on tuesday(so much else to see!)thanks again for the tour,julie and phil.

Well, that's a great vote of confidence for me...thank you It must be one of those that if you know it's there, it's all you see. I'll try to stop worrying about it now.

You were most welcome to have a nosey around our house (and would be welcome back again any time!) and I can't wait to visit you for a reciprocal nosey

 

[FamilyWiggs]

Peacocks! They roost on the roof!

Way too dangerous, Joce - that would make it a bird flue :shock: :shock: :shock:

I vote with the masses - it looks fine. Would look even better encased in reinstated chimbley next year.

 

[Tom]

I vote with the masses - it looks fine. Would look even better encased in reinstated chimbley next year.

Thanks, FW. Unfortunately, this one won't be going in the re-instated chimney so will be left as is. This flue is on the front of the house and the chimney stack is on the back.

 

[FamilyWiggs]

Any chance you could go "a bit diagonal" with the flue and link it up with the new chimbley? Or for that matter route the flue to the back of the house below the roofline where it is less visible?

 

[Tom]

No, there's no chance of doing the diagonal thing and, the way our house sits, the back is just as visible as the front. I'm going to try to learn to live with it and, at the very outside, think of painting it if it's still getting on my nerves in a couple of years