Faststack™ Chimneys

Back to product range

Introduction

Historically, chimney stacks were an essential part of every house and were commonplace on rooftops up and down the country. However they were, and still are, relatively difficult and expensive to construct and a potential weak spot in the roof.

This, coupled with the introduction of modern vents and tiles has seen the decline of the traditional stack over recent years. Many modern housing developments built during the past 30 years are totally without a single traditional chimney stack.

However, in recent years we have seen a change in planning criteria which has led to the re-introduction of the chimney stack. Often, these chimneys will be ‘dummy’ units constructed solely to satisfy the requirements of local planning offices. Traditionally built dummy stacks are usually supported in the roof space by expensive steel beams. For this reason even these stacks remain difficult and costly to construct, until the introduction of the Intelligent Brickwork Faststack™ Chimney system.

Faststack™ Chimney Systems

The Faststack chimney system is a prefabricated chimney system which comprises a range of ‘working’ and ‘cosmetic only’ chimneys. They are available in a range of standard designs. They comprise GRP cores which are clad in traditional facing materials thereby matching the properties on which they are to be installed.

Gable End Ridges

The Gable End Ridge chimneys are designed to allow the brickwork to ‘flow’ from the gable wall into the chimney unit. The top section of the gable wall is constructed without ‘cropping’ to form a seat for the horizontal base plate inside the unit. The outer support plate is removed and the inner plate increased in size to offer additional support. Minimal leadwork is required at the gable side to conceal the transition area.

Mono Pitch

Mono Pitch chimneys do not have the natural stability of the ‘Ridge’ units and therefore require additional fixing points. They include the standard diagonal support plates which allow fixing to the trusses but also continue through the trusses into the roof space where they are seated on a solid timber platform which must be designed and constructed specifically to support the chimney. For this reason the Mono Pitch Chimneys are not suitable for Gable Wall situations.

Mid Ridge

In situations where the chimneys are not located directly over the gable wall, the Mid Ridge design can be used. They are lifted into position and fixed to the trusses. Usually no additional preparation is required (subject to engineers’ approval). Mid Ridge chimneys can be used at any point along the ridge providing the gable wall masonry is not required to flow into the chimney.

Chimney Range

Many of the chimneys in the range are available as working units, suitable to vent Class 2 appliances. These units include an industry approved Twinwall system which is pre-installed in our factories. Once on site the system is simply linked to the existing Twinwall System with the necessary adaptors. See chart below for application details.

All Faststack™ Chimneys incorporate a 25mm deep ‘flashing channel’ which provides a continuous sealed U section in which to dress the lead flashing. The design and construction of the channel ensures the chimney is weatherproof.

Venting Options

Commonly asked Questions

What are the cores made of?

The chimneys are manufactured using class 3 Orthophtalic Polyester (GRP) which cures to form a strong, rigid, lightweight core.

Are different finishes available?

The cores can be clad in a full range of Ibstock clay facing brick products to suit specific requirements. Traditional real terracotta pots are also included with each chimney.

Can we vent through the chimney?

The majority of the Faststack™ range can be offered complete with an approved Stainless Steel Twinwall Flue system which is pre-installed in our factories. These chimneys are suitable for venting class 2 appliances.

Can existing chimney stacks be replicated?

Although we have a standard range of designs we also manufacture many bespoke chimneys to match existing stacks. Unusual sizes, cappings, corbel details and pot designs can all be accommodated with ease.

Back to product range