Can you get an open cover for a Boiler Flue to stop fumes from going back in the house.?

Question

We live in a flat where our neighbours downstairs boiler flue is right underneath our window. We cannot open it or the room is filled with fumes. I seem to remember we had this problem on a house with our own boiler and we had a little hood fitted to deflect the fumes out rather than straight up so they dissipated before they hit our window. I cannot find anyone who seems to know anything about these hoods and yet I feel sure this must be a common problem. Anyone got any suggestions on a) where I can get a hood or b) how else to solve the problem.

Answer 1

first off try asking your neighbors to fix the flue by code it needs to go all the way to the roof. well at least in the united states. if they dont want to fix it, call in the city to help you get them to fix it.

Answer 2

I'm guessing that you're not in North America.  In Canada or the US we would call the landlord and point out a health issue and request that it be fixed.  If s/he didn't fix it quickly, we'd call the local board of health who would issue an order.  If these are not options available to you in your location, perhaps the following ideas may be of assistance.

Assuming that the offending flue is a 5" or 6" or 8" galvanized pipe, most plumbing and heating supply stores sell "elbows" that simply fit into pipes of standard sizes and are then secured with 3 self-tapping sheet metal screws.  I think a 45 degree elbow might help deflect the exhaust away from the building enough to miss your window - providing you can get permission install it on your neighbour's flue.

If all else fails, you might try mounting a fan in your window blowing air out while you open a window on the other side to let fresh air in.  (I realize this would only work with the cooperation of prevailing winds or no wind.)

On further reflection, I'm quite surprised that the building code would permit a flue to be located under a window.   I know the code even here in rural Alberta, Canada would not.  Perhaps you could check with the local building inspector.  He might be able to issue an order that the flue be extended to discharge above your window -- or such other remedy he, in his experience, might recommend.