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  #1   Report Post  
VisionSet
 
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Default Combi in the loft

Okay, I've done a bit more research and it seems the Heat bank option has
leapt up to a ton shy of 2K so the combi is definitely still a contender.
Still looking at the actual make model options but the Worcester Bosch 40kW
HE Plus Condensing Combi is a strong possibility.

Now I still want to stick this stuff in the loft. A good location for me is
attached to the party wall. Are these upto supporting 50Kg?

As far as the access requirements go at present you can pop your head
through the loft and it would be right in front of you, since the loft is
low head room (4ft max at apex) it would be more convenient for service bod
to tackle it from waste at hatch height. So hopefully just a loft ladder
will do.

Other boiler options after top reliabilty/quality are satisfied may hinge on
the program options. Since it will be in the loft some sort of remote
option for the programmer would be best. I take it this is common. Though
alot seem geared to kitchen installation, 800 high, nice finish, inbuilt
digital displays - all of which are unnecessary for my loft. Suppose best
place for fault diagnostic display is on boiler.

Other than that I want max flow/heat 16 l/min @35°C rise to beat!

Can I do the whole fitting or do I need a Corgi chap for final connection.
How is the guarantee on the boiler affected by this? Will I EVER find a
plumber willing to do JUST the hook up (twiddle, fiddle, poke, 'that's okay
mate') at a reasonable rate?

Thoughts?
Everyone it seems loves a boiler thread

--
Mike W


  #2   Report Post  
Andy Hall
 
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On Sat, 25 Sep 2004 11:39:25 GMT, "VisionSet"
wrote:

Okay, I've done a bit more research and it seems the Heat bank option has
leapt up to a ton shy of 2K so the combi is definitely still a contender.
Still looking at the actual make model options but the Worcester Bosch 40kW
HE Plus Condensing Combi is a strong possibility.

Now I still want to stick this stuff in the loft. A good location for me is
attached to the party wall. Are these upto supporting 50Kg?


As long it's a structural , load bearing wall in good condition, that
should be OK.



As far as the access requirements go at present you can pop your head
through the loft and it would be right in front of you, since the loft is
low head room (4ft max at apex) it would be more convenient for service bod
to tackle it from waste at hatch height. So hopefully just a loft ladder
will do.


You have to board and light the loft and put in a guard rail, but the
loft ladder is OK.



Other boiler options after top reliabilty/quality are satisfied may hinge on
the program options. Since it will be in the loft some sort of remote
option for the programmer would be best. I take it this is common. Though
alot seem geared to kitchen installation, 800 high, nice finish, inbuilt
digital displays - all of which are unnecessary for my loft. Suppose best
place for fault diagnostic display is on boiler.

Other than that I want max flow/heat 16 l/min @35°C rise to beat!


Well it's pretty simple. 40 kW gives 16 lpm at dT=35 degrees.
If you want more then you will need a larger boiler. There are a few
46kW models around that will give you around 18lpm but they cost
rather more - e,g, MAN Micromat 46kW combi.



Can I do the whole fitting or do I need a Corgi chap for final connection.
How is the guarantee on the boiler affected by this? Will I EVER find a
plumber willing to do JUST the hook up (twiddle, fiddle, poke, 'that's okay
mate') at a reasonable rate?


This is your choice. Legally (according to Gas Safety Installation
and Use Regulations 1998), you can DIY this if you are "competent".
This is by exception, in the sense that there is a specific
requirement (via the HSE acting as policeman) if you are installing
professionally to be a member of CORGI. The legislation does not
define competent with respect to DIY and doesn't positively mention
DIY. CORGI membership certainly does require training but of course
this is no absolute guarantee of a good job.
The HSE is certainly aware that DIY gas fitting goes on and
periodically there have been discussions about trying to stop it, but
there is no justification for doing so from the rate of problems
occuring from it, and they admit that. Plus it would be hard to
enforce.

There is now a requirement with respect to the energy saving aspects
of the Building Regulations Part L1. If you use a CORGI fitter to
do the work, then he can self certify it. Otherwise you have to apply
for a Building Notice at the local authority - cost around £100 I
believe.

It's a difficult proposition to ask a CORGI fitter to come along and
sprinkle holy water on your work for two reasons.

- It is not that interesting business-wise if they haven't supplied
and fitted.

- They are taking responsibility for your work with respect to the gas
supply and the flue. Once you have fitted them, it may be difficult
to see those and many would not touch it under those circumstances

- Most have plenty of work, so have no real need to do this for you

From a competence perspective, have a look through Ed Sirett's FAQ.
Ed is a CORGI fitter (as well as being a thoroughly nice guy), and his
comments are valuable.

The main ones are do you have a good, repeatable result with soldering
fittings together and do you understand all the issues involved before
you start?


Thoughts?
Everyone it seems loves a boiler thread


..andy

To email, substitute .nospam with .gl
  #3   Report Post  
VisionSet
 
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Default


"Andy Hall" wrote in message
...

As long it's a structural , load bearing wall in good condition, that
should be OK.


Well it is a party loft wall, I suspect it is only there as a boundary, I
doubt it is load bearing, but it is brick. and it is supported by the whole
brick party partition.


You have to board


the whole loft? and even if it would never be used by trades person?

and light the loft and put in a guard rail, but the
loft ladder is OK.


lighting no problem.

What is a guard rail?


Other than that I want max flow/heat 16 l/min @35°C rise to beat!


Well it's pretty simple.


yes for sure


- Most have plenty of work, so have no real need to do this for you


Quite!


From a competence perspective, have a look through Ed Sirett's FAQ.
Ed is a CORGI fitter (as well as being a thoroughly nice guy), and his
comments are valuable.


will do.


The main ones are do you have a good, repeatable result with soldering
fittings together and do you understand all the issues involved before
you start?


Yes, I have no qualms about my ability. It was just the guarantee aspect,
am I likely to violate the boiler manufacturers requirements, I suspected
they required a Corgi fitter. I know... I shall phone WB etc.


Cheers Andy
--
Mike W


  #4   Report Post  
IMM
 
Posts: n/a
Default


"VisionSet" wrote in message
...

"Andy Hall" wrote in message
...

As long it's a structural , load bearing wall in good condition, that
should be OK.


Well it is a party loft wall, I suspect it is only there as a boundary, I
doubt it is load bearing, but it is brick. and it is supported by the

whole
brick party partition.


You have to board


the whole loft? and even if it would never be used by trades person?


Not the whole, loft adequately around the hatch, to and around the boiler. A
light over the boiler and hatch and a rail around the hatch so no one will
fall down it. This may be wood screwed to the rafters to make the rail.

and light the loft and put in a guard rail, but the
loft ladder is OK.


lighting no problem.

What is a guard rail?


See above.

Other than that I want max flow/heat 16 l/min @35°C rise to beat!


Well it's pretty simple.


yes for sure


- Most have plenty of work, so have no real need to do this for you


Quite!


From a competence perspective, have a look through Ed Sirett's FAQ.
Ed is a CORGI fitter (as well as being a thoroughly nice guy), and his
comments are valuable.


will do.

The main ones are do you have a good, repeatable result with soldering
fittings together and do you understand all the issues involved before
you start?


Use Powerflux and flush properly after with Superfloc.

Yes, I have no qualms about my ability. It was just the guarantee aspect,
am I likely to violate the boiler manufacturers requirements, I suspected
they required a Corgi fitter. I know... I shall phone WB etc.


The law say you must be "competent". CORGI registration is only for when you
make money out of fitting gas equipment. It is to stop the cowboys.



  #5   Report Post  
Andrew Gabriel
 
Posts: n/a
Default

In article ,
Andy Hall writes:
On Sat, 25 Sep 2004 11:39:25 GMT, "VisionSet"
wrote:

Okay, I've done a bit more research and it seems the Heat bank option has
leapt up to a ton shy of 2K so the combi is definitely still a contender.
Still looking at the actual make model options but the Worcester Bosch 40kW
HE Plus Condensing Combi is a strong possibility.

Now I still want to stick this stuff in the loft. A good location for me is
attached to the party wall. Are these upto supporting 50Kg?


As long it's a structural , load bearing wall in good condition, that
should be OK.


The part in the loft usually isn't though.
Gable-end walls are notoriously weak, and can
sometimes be blown out with a strong wind, so
be careful. They don't support anything and
have no weight on them (above any purlins).
I certainly wouldn't mount a boiler anywhere
near the top of such a wall.

--
Andrew Gabriel


  #6   Report Post  
VisionSet
 
Posts: n/a
Default


"Andrew Gabriel" wrote in message
...
In article ,
Andy Hall writes:
On Sat, 25 Sep 2004 11:39:25 GMT, "VisionSet"
wrote:

Okay, I've done a bit more research and it seems the Heat bank option

has
leapt up to a ton shy of 2K so the combi is definitely still a

contender.
Still looking at the actual make model options but the Worcester Bosch

40kW
HE Plus Condensing Combi is a strong possibility.

Now I still want to stick this stuff in the loft. A good location for

me is
attached to the party wall. Are these upto supporting 50Kg?


As long it's a structural , load bearing wall in good condition, that
should be OK.


The part in the loft usually isn't though.
Gable-end walls are notoriously weak, and can
sometimes be blown out with a strong wind, so
be careful. They don't support anything and
have no weight on them (above any purlins).
I certainly wouldn't mount a boiler anywhere
near the top of such a wall.


mmm, this is what I feared.
There are purlins and I suspect I can get it central to these.
The house is well built 1930, I'll have a good look at it, get my uncle
architect to take a look. Don't know what to do otherwise, substantially
repoint it, though it doesn't really look like it needs it.

--
Mike W


  #7   Report Post  
IMM
 
Posts: n/a
Default


"Andrew Gabriel" wrote in message
...
In article ,
Andy Hall writes:
On Sat, 25 Sep 2004 11:39:25 GMT, "VisionSet"
wrote:

Okay, I've done a bit more research and it seems the Heat bank option

has
leapt up to a ton shy of 2K so the combi is definitely still a

contender.
Still looking at the actual make model options but the Worcester Bosch

40kW
HE Plus Condensing Combi is a strong possibility.

Now I still want to stick this stuff in the loft. A good location for

me is
attached to the party wall. Are these upto supporting 50Kg?


As long it's a structural , load bearing wall in good condition, that
should be OK.


The part in the loft usually isn't though.
Gable-end walls are notoriously weak,


What are you on about? they have the same foundations as the other walls.
I have mounted boilers on gables and never had any problems. Boilers are
not that heavy to worry a gable end.

and can
sometimes be blown out with a strong wind, so
be careful. They don't support anything and
have no weight on them (above any purlins).
I certainly wouldn't mount a boiler anywhere
near the top of such a wall.

--
Andrew Gabriel



  #8   Report Post  
Andy Hall
 
Posts: n/a
Default

On Sat, 25 Sep 2004 14:59:09 +0100, "IMM" wrote:


"Andrew Gabriel" wrote in message
...
In article ,
Andy Hall writes:
On Sat, 25 Sep 2004 11:39:25 GMT, "VisionSet"
wrote:

Okay, I've done a bit more research and it seems the Heat bank option

has
leapt up to a ton shy of 2K so the combi is definitely still a

contender.
Still looking at the actual make model options but the Worcester Bosch

40kW
HE Plus Condensing Combi is a strong possibility.

Now I still want to stick this stuff in the loft. A good location for

me is
attached to the party wall. Are these upto supporting 50Kg?

As long it's a structural , load bearing wall in good condition, that
should be OK.


The part in the loft usually isn't though.
Gable-end walls are notoriously weak,


What are you on about? they have the same foundations as the other walls.
I have mounted boilers on gables and never had any problems. Boilers are
not that heavy to worry a gable end.


50kg mounted high up can create a substantial load.......


..andy

To email, substitute .nospam with .gl
  #9   Report Post  
IMM
 
Posts: n/a
Default


"Andy Hall" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 25 Sep 2004 14:59:09 +0100, "IMM" wrote:


"Andrew Gabriel" wrote in message
...
In article ,
Andy Hall writes:
On Sat, 25 Sep 2004 11:39:25 GMT, "VisionSet"
wrote:

Okay, I've done a bit more research and it seems the Heat bank option

has
leapt up to a ton shy of 2K so the combi is definitely still a

contender.
Still looking at the actual make model options but the Worcester

Bosch
40kW
HE Plus Condensing Combi is a strong possibility.

Now I still want to stick this stuff in the loft. A good location

for
me is
attached to the party wall. Are these upto supporting 50Kg?

As long it's a structural , load bearing wall in good condition, that
should be OK.

The part in the loft usually isn't though.
Gable-end walls are notoriously weak,


What are you on about? they have the same foundations as the other

walls.
I have mounted boilers on gables and never had any problems. Boilers are
not that heavy to worry a gable end.


50kg mounted high up can create a substantial load.......


On a wall like a gable end? Which has racking strength from the roof
timbers too? Please.


  #10   Report Post  
Capitol
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Andy Hall wrote:
50kg mounted high up can create a substantial load.......

He did say it was a party wall. in a 1930's house this would normally be
double brick and not a problem.

Regards
Capitol


  #11   Report Post  
Tim S
 
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On Sat, 25 Sep 2004 14:59:09 +0100, IMM wrote:


"Andrew Gabriel" wrote in message


The part in the loft usually isn't though. Gable-end walls are
notoriously weak,


What are you on about? they have the same foundations as the other walls.
I have mounted boilers on gables and never had any problems. Boilers are
not that heavy to worry a gable end.


The foundations are the same as you say. Problem is with top ends of walls
which don't support anything above.

I'm not a civil engineer - I'm thinking this through as a physicist, so
obligatory hypothetical situation - but bear with me he

Take a pile of bricks and construct a 6ft high by say, 4ft wide, 9in thick
dry wall (no mortar or other filler) on a stable level surface. Kick the
bottom - I would wager a fiver you'll hurt your foot before you move any
bricks due to the weight holding them in place. Try nearer the top -
should be able to knock out a load of bricks easily because you only need
enough sideways force to overcome a little friction.

Add mortar - that will scale the strength up by providing adhesion and
better interlocking, but strength is still a function of internal load -
and the top end of a wall carrying nothing is thus considerably weaker
than a loaded wall or the base of the same. The combi will be hanging off
one side of the wall giving you a significant turning moment which only
needs to overcome the adhesion of the mortar and the weight of a few feet
of bricks.

I have no idea how heavy a combi is - but I'd consider it worthy of
further investigation before hanging it up on a gable end. What's the
typical weight of a small combi out of interest - and how deep is one?

I won't contest that you've done it and it nothing fell off - but I
wouldn't be so happy about doing it myself without a second opinion.

Cheers

Tim
  #12   Report Post  
VisionSet
 
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"VisionSet" wrote in message
...

Now I still want to stick this stuff in the loft. A good location for me

is
attached to the party wall. Are these upto supporting 50Kg?


Well it isn't a gable end - it is a party wall.

If we assume it is not up to the weight. What can I do to make it suitable?

Standard 30's construction 4ft void at apex, purlins and rafters.
Brick stretcher party wall in good visual condition, lime mortar.

--
Mike W


  #13   Report Post  
James
 
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"VisionSet" wrote in message
...


Well it isn't a gable end - it is a party wall.

If we assume it is not up to the weight. What can I do to make it

suitable?

Standard 30's construction 4ft void at apex, purlins and rafters.
Brick stretcher party wall in good visual condition, lime mortar.

--
Mike W



I have no specialist knowledge, but I wondered if it is possible for the
weight to be taken by the loft floor rather than the wall. I know such
floors are not meant to take weight, but they are nonetheless used to house
equally heavy water tanks. Or does the placement of such tanks rely upon a
structural wall underneath?

James


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.719 / Virus Database: 475 - Release Date: 13/07/2004


  #14   Report Post  
VisionSet
 
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"James" wrote in message
...

Well it isn't a gable end - it is a party wall.

If we assume it is not up to the weight. What can I do to make it

suitable?

Standard 30's construction 4ft void at apex, purlins and rafters.
Brick stretcher party wall in good visual condition, lime mortar.


I have no specialist knowledge, but I wondered if it is possible for the
weight to be taken by the loft floor rather than the wall. I know such
floors are not meant to take weight, but they are nonetheless used to

house
equally heavy water tanks. Or does the placement of such tanks rely upon

a
structural wall underneath?


I see no reason why not, except that is is easier if there is good access
underneath for pipework connection. Boilers tend to come on a wall mounted
jig, which makes life easier. The load bearing wall that supports the party
wall will be very close though so that wouldn't be a problem. And yes tanks
are supposed to be close to or on a supporting wall.

I don't think it will be a problem, but I'll ask uncle architect first.

--
Mike W


  #15   Report Post  
Andrew Gabriel
 
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In article ,
"James" writes:

"VisionSet" wrote in message
...


Well it isn't a gable end - it is a party wall.

If we assume it is not up to the weight. What can I do to make it suitable?

Standard 30's construction 4ft void at apex, purlins and rafters.
Brick stretcher party wall in good visual condition, lime mortar.


I have no specialist knowledge, but I wondered if it is possible for the
weight to be taken by the loft floor rather than the wall. I know such
floors are not meant to take weight, but they are nonetheless used to house
equally heavy water tanks. Or does the placement of such tanks rely upon a
structural wall underneath?


I would probably look for a frame which would transfer the weight
to the floor, and position it over a wall (50Kg is not heavy enough
for it to need to be positioned over a structural wall), or spread
across a few ceiling joists (but not in the middle of a long
unsupported span). Fix it to the party wall and floor.

I've seen something like this used to hold a boiler over a hot water
cylinder to make a single combined unit. You could try asking in a
plumber's merchant if they have such a frame.

--
Andrew Gabriel


  #16   Report Post  
The Natural Philosopher
 
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Andrew Gabriel wrote:
In article ,
"James" writes:

"VisionSet" wrote in message
...


Well it isn't a gable end - it is a party wall.

If we assume it is not up to the weight. What can I do to make it suitable?

Standard 30's construction 4ft void at apex, purlins and rafters.
Brick stretcher party wall in good visual condition, lime mortar.


I have no specialist knowledge, but I wondered if it is possible for the
weight to be taken by the loft floor rather than the wall. I know such
floors are not meant to take weight, but they are nonetheless used to house
equally heavy water tanks. Or does the placement of such tanks rely upon a
structural wall underneath?



I would probably look for a frame which would transfer the weight
to the floor, and position it over a wall (50Kg is not heavy enough
for it to need to be positioned over a structural wall),


I can lift 50Kg easily mate. Are you saying that when I trawl 50kg up te
stairs I am risking life and limb? Well you are not, but others are..

This thread is utter cobbblers.

I've got a 600 liter water tank in my loft. 600kg or over half a ton
when filled.

It sits on the ceiling joists abutting a chimney breast. We did put a
few more braces in. Its fine.

A typical person weighs what - 14 stone? That's 88kg. Are you sure its
safe to walk in your loft?

50kg is just two bags of cement. Its not even enough sand to fill a
wheelbarrow.










or spread
across a few ceiling joists (but not in the middle of a long
unsupported span). Fix it to the party wall and floor.

I've seen something like this used to hold a boiler over a hot water
cylinder to make a single combined unit. You could try asking in a
plumber's merchant if they have such a frame.

  #17   Report Post  
Andrew Gabriel
 
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In article ,
The Natural Philosopher writes:
I can lift 50Kg easily mate. Are you saying that when I trawl 50kg up te
stairs I am risking life and limb? Well you are not, but others are..

This thread is utter cobbblers.


What you've said seems to bear no relation to this thread,
which is about hanging a 50kg weight 12" out from near the
top of a brick wall (lime mortar in this case).

--
Andrew Gabriel
  #18   Report Post  
Pete C
 
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On Sat, 25 Sep 2004 17:07:16 GMT, "VisionSet"
wrote:


"VisionSet" wrote in message
...

Now I still want to stick this stuff in the loft. A good location for me

is
attached to the party wall. Are these upto supporting 50Kg?


Well it isn't a gable end - it is a party wall.

If we assume it is not up to the weight. What can I do to make it suitable?

Standard 30's construction 4ft void at apex, purlins and rafters.
Brick stretcher party wall in good visual condition, lime mortar.


Hi,

The worst case scenario is that someone working on the boiler looses
their footing and grabs onto it, pulling with thier full weight.

Resin anchors into engineering blocks would be OK, but not any old
fixings into soft bricks.

Do the boiler manufacturers offer any advice on fixing the boiler in
that particular situation?

One way to get a stronger fixing is a couple of 2x4 or bigger vertical
bearers, that are bracketed to the rafters at the top and a cross
bearer at the bottom, as well as bolted to the wall. The boiler could
then be fixed with suitable studs bolted though the bearers.

cheers,
Pete.
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