We live in a mid terraced house and one of our neighbour's have installed a wood burner.Im all for helping the environment but whenever it is working it usually smokes and often smells.The chimney is not as high as the roof so the wind seems to blow it towards our house and garden.We are getting increasingly frustrated of having to keep windows and doors shut to prevent smoke entering our house.Our 5 year old son also comments on the smell while playing in the garden.
Should we have to put up with it?
Are there any regulations regarding pollution via wood burners?
Should the chimney be higher than the roof by law?
We have not talked to the neighbours yet but any advice would be appreciated, Thanks
2007-10-09 08:34:41 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
I live in the UK
2007-10-09 08:52:55 · update #1
If your in the UK, the position of the chimney as you are describing it, may be violating current building regulations, and as its a new installation it must comply. The flu/chimney must comply with part J of the building regulations and BS5854 is a code of practise which must be followed.
Scottish building regs differ slightly to English but I think in this case they will be similar.
If you mean the chimney is not as high as the ridge of the roof that may not against building regs But if it exits from the side of the house then it must be higher than the eaves.
http://www.feta.co.uk/downloads/ADJ%20Supplementary%20Guidance%202004.pdf
Download this PDF document and look at Part 2, section 2, it should give you a clearer idea if their chimney dose not comply with the regulations, and if you think it doesn't comply call your local planning office.
Good luck
2007-10-09 09:24:34 · answer #1 · answered by Rupert the gardener 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't give the nation and city in which you live, so it's impossible to give specific advice. Is it winter where you are? If not, why in the world are they using the burner, now???
Regardless, there may be some applicable zoning laws. Did your neighbor install it without a zoning permit or waiver or whatever applies in your area? Is the chimney of sufficient height (most communities require it to be above the highest point of the yard or general area, to prevent exactly what you're going through? Is there a flu trap to prevent excess ash? (if you think the smell is bad, wait til you see what the soot does to the side of your home!)
Speak with the neighbors, unless you're on bad terms with them. If they do nothing about it (and it's only going to get worse during the winter!), then you may need to speak with your local police or officials. Your local town clerk should be able to explain or point you to local laws concerning this.
Of course, if the winter really gets bad, you might regret pissing-off your neighbor who might have invited you into his nice, toasty, warm home! ;)
2007-10-09 08:38:08 · answer #2 · answered by skaizun 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On the search bar type in the name of the town you live in followed by Council. This should give you the Web-site address for yours. Then look up neighbourhood pollution. It should tell you all you need to know. I know where I live the chimney has to be above a certain height but not sure what it is!
2007-10-09 08:47:04 · answer #3 · answered by willowGSD 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most places are smoke free zones now so i would first of all check with your council. this normally states that between certain hours (normally late in the evening) there is to be no burning of any sort. perhaps you could talk to the neighbour and say its affecting your sons health for example and could they do it later. if no joy then go to the cab for your rights. good luck
2007-10-09 08:46:41 · answer #4 · answered by curlywurly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to your local code's officer. Anything that keeps you from enjoying the peace of your home can be deemed a nuisance. No one should have to breath smoke or to be forced to keep their windows closed. Check with your local ordinances, and you will probably find they are not following strict codes for your area.
2007-10-09 08:55:46 · answer #5 · answered by Grandma of 2 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask your neighbours to be a bit more sympathetic. After dark would probably be more suitable. Especially when the washing has been brought in. This time of year when nights draw in it is even easier.
2007-10-09 08:41:24 · answer #6 · answered by thanimalay@btinternet.com 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Calling the city for inspections and the health department would be a good start. Police were called about the odors from Jeffrey Dahmer and Anthony Sowell's (both serial killers and had bodies in their apartments), and the police did nothing about it.
2016-05-20 00:08:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
get onto your local council environmental health department and tell them your story.....they have to act
2007-10-09 09:46:01 · answer #8 · answered by steve j 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you havn't already contact your council and get in touch with envioromntal health and they will give you advice
2007-10-09 08:46:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
block up there chimney and let them keep there smoke !!!!! lol lol
2007-10-09 08:47:30 · answer #10 · answered by PAUL T 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋