Overview
Asbestos cement flue pipes were widely fitted to gas boilers and warm-air units from the 1960s to the late 1980s. Cement gutters and downpipes were also common on industrial and council housing. Intact flues are low risk; cracked, weathered or snapped flues release fibres.
Typical uses
- •Boiler flue pipes
- •Warm-air unit flues
- •Industrial extract flues
- •Rainwater downpipes
- •Gutters
Typical fibre type
Chrysotile is the most commonly identified fibre in this material.
Visual inspection alone cannot confirm the presence or type of asbestos. Laboratory analysis is required.
🟠 Medium Risk
Bonded cement product, but flues are routinely disturbed by boiler replacement. Heat-cycling and weathering degrade the surface over time.
Typical locations
Lofts Plant rooms External walls Roofs
Survey recommendation
Refurbishment Survey
Boiler replacement always disturbs the flue — a Refurbishment Survey or targeted sampling must be completed first.
See our survey servicesManagement advice
- Do not break the flue when removing an old boiler
- Keep flues intact during removal — full-length extraction only
- Non-licensed removal under HSG210
- Inspect external cement gutters and downpipes for cracks
