National partnership with NACE for Hertfordshire Building Control

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Chimney lining from NACE (National Association of Chimney Engineers)

Hertfordshire Building Control, the new amalgamation of 7 of the 10 Hertfordshire local authorities, has hit the ground running and registered an exciting new partnership under the LABC Partner Authority scheme.

Many readers will be aware of The National Association of Chimney Engineers (NACE), which is a leading authority on all matters relating to flues and chimneys.

One of their functions is to provide a register of competent chimney engineers carrying out work to install cast in situ concrete remedial lining systems in existing domestic chimneys. This work comes under the control of the Building Regulations. 

NACE were looking for a streamlined process to deal with applications for this work carried out anywhere in England and Wales and the LABC team at Hertfordshire had the answer.

Chimney lining from NACE

NACE gained type test approval for its domestic lightweight cast concrete lining system, from Kiwa Gastec in 2003, having passed stringent testing. NACE say the system is “one of the most durable and technically advanced methods of repairing domestic flue systems where they are found to fail minimum safety standards”.

The installation of this relining system can only be undertaken and notified by NACE installer members who are registered on the NACE CCLS Certification Scheme and only after a detailed mechanical investigation of the chimney has been competently carried out to identify any structural defects and/or integrity failures.

The NACE lining systems provide a durable alternative to steel liners and involves the pumping of a refractory grade concrete around an inflated tube former that has been accurately located within the flue.

The system has been assessed and found to meet the requirements of Regulations J2 and J4 where serving typical domestic fireplaces. The finished work will be backed up by a comprehensive commissioning certificate to confirm that appropriate testing has been undertaken by the installer.

Exciting times for Hertfordshire Building Control

When asked about the partnership, Building Control Manager Trevor Clements said “It’s exciting times for LABC in Hertfordshire. The new company with its greatly increased resources will act as a partner to NACE and deal with the building regulation applications for any installation carried out in England & Wales. A local building control surveyor will then inspect the works on-site."

“I am very pleased that we have been able set up this link with such an important player in the heating industry, to simplify the application process to the benefit of consumers.

“I hope that we will be able to find other ways to work with NACE in the interests of promoting safe and compliant installations of heating appliances and associated flues and chimneys”.

NACE Chairman Howard Cane, who has been working with the company to develop the link, said “I am thrilled to be part of this new venture with LABC. NACE members and consumers will benefit directly from this relationship which I intend to build upon. This new partnership with LABC will allow NACE to expand its CCLS franchising services and provide more opportunities for its members”.

Further information

Find out about the advantages of registering for the LABC Partner Authority Scheme (PAS)

Visit the NACE website at www.nace.org.uk or call NACE on 01526 322555.

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