Blocking up a flue hole

[tim+]

Until today we had a standard condensing boiler with a coaxial flue.

Now we have a hole in our gable wall that I'd like to block up.
The problem is, the boiler was in the attic of a two story house
and even if I had a ladder that would reach, I wouldn't like to
work at that height.

This must be a fairly common issue. What's the easiest solution?
Some sort of plug that can be inserted from the inside?


Tim
--

[John Williamson]

Post by tim+
Until today we had a standard condensing boiler with a coaxial flue.
Now we have a hole in our gable wall that I'd like to block up.
The problem is, the boiler was in the attic of a two story house
and even if I had a ladder that would reach, I wouldn't like to
work at that height.
This must be a fairly common issue. What's the easiest solution?
Some sort of plug that can be inserted from the inside?
Tim

I gather the usual solution is to GALMI.

[chrisnd @ukrm]

Post by tim+
Until today we had a standard condensing boiler with a coaxial flue.
Now we have a hole in our gable wall that I'd like to block up.
The problem is, the boiler was in the attic of a two story house
and even if I had a ladder that would reach, I wouldn't like to
work at that height.
This must be a fairly common issue. What's the easiest solution?
Some sort of plug that can be inserted from the inside?

No, you need to bung it up properly from outside (round brick :-)) and then
plug the inside.

Chris

[tim+]

On 07/04/2025 18:28, tim+ wrote:>Until today we had a standard condensing boiler with a coaxial flue.>>Now we have a hole in our gable wall that I'd like to block up. > The problem is, the boiler was in the attic of a two story house> and even if I had a ladder that would reach, I wouldn't like to> work at that height.>>This must be a fairly common issue. What's the easiest solution?> Some sort of plug that can be inserted from the inside?No, you need to bung it up properly from outside (round brick :-)) and then plug the inside.Chris

That sounds like the ideal solution. What's the pragmatic solution. ;-)

Tim

--

[tim+]

Until today we had a standard condensing boiler with a coaxial flue.Now we have a hole in our gable wall that I'd like to block up. The problem is, the boiler was in the attic of a two story house and even if I had a ladder that would reach, I wouldn't like to work at that height.This must be a fairly common issue. What's the easiest solution? Some sort of plug that can be inserted from the inside? Tim--

Doh. Wrong group...

Tim
--

[Kerr-Mudd, John]

On Mon, 7 Apr 2025 19:10:45 +0100 (GMT+01:00)

Post by tim+

Until today we had a standard condensing boiler with a coaxial flue.Now we have a hole in our gable wall that I'd like to block up. The problem is, the boiler was in the attic of a two story house and even if I had a ladder that would reach, I wouldn't like to work at that height.This must be a fairly common issue. What's the easiest solution? Some sort of plug that can be inserted from the inside? Tim--

Insert ballon, inflate until it fills the gap. Paint it brick coloured if
so desired *first*.
Oh, stick a picture of an eagle on the to-be-outside bit, to stop crows
pecking the balloon, YKIMS.

Post by tim+
Doh. Wrong group...

Feh.

Squirty filler gunk will look v. untidy from the outside. Porthole window?

[Abandoned Trolley]

Post by Kerr-Mudd, John
Squirty filler gunk will look v. untidy from the outside. Porthole window?

I believe they are called "bulleseye" windows, but I would be astonished
if they are available that small and ...

you would still need access to the outsude bit to fit the wretched thing.


ask a window cleaner ???

[Peter]

Post by tim+
Until today we had a standard condensing boiler with a coaxial flue.
Now we have a hole in our gable wall that I'd like to block up.
The problem is, the boiler was in the attic of a two story house
and even if I had a ladder that would reach, I wouldn't like to
work at that height.
This must be a fairly common issue. What's the easiest solution?
Some sort of plug that can be inserted from the inside?

I never thought of that - we have exactly the same issue. Our combi boiler
was removed about a month ago so I've just gone outside and sure enough the
flue is still in place. So is the pressure relief vent. Provided they've
blocked it off internally I'm not too worried - it can stay there. It's not
too unsightly When I can get up into the loft I'll check.

[Kerr-Mudd, John]

On Tue, 8 Apr 2025 09:57:04 -0000 (UTC)

Post by Peter

Post by tim+
Until today we had a standard condensing boiler with a coaxial flue.
Now we have a hole in our gable wall that I'd like to block up.
The problem is, the boiler was in the attic of a two story house
and even if I had a ladder that would reach, I wouldn't like to
work at that height.
This must be a fairly common issue. What's the easiest solution?
Some sort of plug that can be inserted from the inside?

I never thought of that - we have exactly the same issue. Our combi boiler
was removed about a month ago so I've just gone outside and sure enough the
flue is still in place. So is the pressure relief vent. Provided they've
blocked it off internally I'm not too worried - it can stay there. It's not
too unsightly When I can get up into the loft I'll check.

Why are people ditching combi-boilers? I this the Big Change to ASHPs?

[Peter]

Post by Kerr-Mudd, John
On Tue, 8 Apr 2025 09:57:04 -0000 (UTC)

Post by Peter

Post by tim+
Until today we had a standard condensing boiler with a coaxial flue.
Now we have a hole in our gable wall that I'd like to block up.
The problem is, the boiler was in the attic of a two story house
and even if I had a ladder that would reach, I wouldn't like to
work at that height.
This must be a fairly common issue. What's the easiest solution?
Some sort of plug that can be inserted from the inside?

I never thought of that - we have exactly the same issue. Our combi
boiler was removed about a month ago so I've just gone outside and
sure enough the flue is still in place. So is the pressure relief
vent. Provided they've blocked it off internally I'm not too worried
- it can stay there. It's not too unsightly When I can get up into
the loft I'll check.

Why are people ditching combi-boilers? I this the Big Change to ASHPs?

That was my reason.

[Tim+]

Post by Kerr-Mudd, John
On Tue, 8 Apr 2025 09:57:04 -0000 (UTC)

Post by Peter

Post by tim+
Until today we had a standard condensing boiler with a coaxial flue.
Now we have a hole in our gable wall that I'd like to block up.
The problem is, the boiler was in the attic of a two story house
and even if I had a ladder that would reach, I wouldn't like to
work at that height.
This must be a fairly common issue. What's the easiest solution?
Some sort of plug that can be inserted from the inside?

I never thought of that - we have exactly the same issue. Our combi boiler
was removed about a month ago so I've just gone outside and sure enough the
flue is still in place. So is the pressure relief vent. Provided they've
blocked it off internally I'm not too worried - it can stay there. It's not
too unsightly When I can get up into the loft I'll check.

Why are people ditching combi-boilers? I this the Big Change to ASHPs?

Yes.

[Peter]

Post by Kerr-Mudd, John
On Tue, 8 Apr 2025 09:57:04 -0000 (UTC)
Why are people ditching combi-boilers? I this the Big Change to ASHPs?

Yes.

The gummint is handing out whacking great grants to encourage people to swap
over to heat pumps, so I thought I would grab one before that nice Ms Reeves
decides to put a stop to it.

[h***@ccanoemail.com]

Post by Kerr-Mudd, John
On Tue, 8 Apr 2025 09:57:04 -0000 (UTC)

Post by Peter

Post by tim+
Until today we had a standard condensing boiler with a coaxial flue.
Now we have a hole in our gable wall that I'd like to block up.
The problem is, the boiler was in the attic of a two story house
and even if I had a ladder that would reach, I wouldn't like to
work at that height.
This must be a fairly common issue. What's the easiest solution?
Some sort of plug that can be inserted from the inside?

I never thought of that - we have exactly the same issue. Our combi boiler
was removed about a month ago so I've just gone outside and sure enough the
flue is still in place. So is the pressure relief vent. Provided they've
blocked it off internally I'm not too worried - it can stay there. It's not
too unsightly When I can get up into the loft I'll check.

Why are people ditching combi-boilers? I this the Big Change to ASHPs?

I had to look up the term ASHP ..
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists was the first hit ..
:-)
I had one installed last year < not the pharmacist >
during a terrible heat wave - and was very thankful to finally
have central air conditioning for the rest of the summer.
Here in Canada, the units lose efficiency during our winter months
so I simply select the furnace-only for a few months or so.
John T.

[Peter]

Post by h***@ccanoemail.com
I had one installed last year < not the pharmacist >
during a terrible heat wave - and was very thankful to finally
have central air conditioning for the rest of the summer.
Here in Canada, the units lose efficiency during our winter months
so I simply select the furnace-only for a few months or so.

Cooling isn't so much an issue here in UK, so the one I've just had
installed just does central heating and hot water (jolly good it is, too).
But when we lived in Southern Spain we had a reversible one that blew hot in
winter and cold in summer.

[h***@ccanoemail.com]

Post by Peter

Post by h***@ccanoemail.com
I had one installed last year < not the pharmacist >
during a terrible heat wave - and was very thankful to finally
have central air conditioning for the rest of the summer.
Here in Canada, the units lose efficiency during our winter months
so I simply select the furnace-only for a few months or so.

Cooling isn't so much an issue here in UK, so the one I've just had
installed just does central heating and hot water (jolly good it is, too).
But when we lived in Southern Spain we had a reversible one that blew hot in
winter and cold in summer.

I thought they all worked both ways.
And I never knew about the water heater option.
.. always something to learn !
I suspect that our propensity for forced-air systems
vs boilers might have a lot to do with it <?>
John T.

[Nicholas D. Richards]

Post by h***@ccanoemail.com

Post by Peter

Post by h***@ccanoemail.com
I had one installed last year < not the pharmacist >
during a terrible heat wave - and was very thankful to finally
have central air conditioning for the rest of the summer.
Here in Canada, the units lose efficiency during our winter months
so I simply select the furnace-only for a few months or so.

Cooling isn't so much an issue here in UK, so the one I've just had
installed just does central heating and hot water (jolly good it is, too).
But when we lived in Southern Spain we had a reversible one that blew hot in
winter and cold in summer.

I thought they all worked both ways.
And I never knew about the water heater option.
.. always something to learn !
I suspect that our propensity for forced-air systems
vs boilers might have a lot to do with it <?>
John T.

My house is part of two terraces (nine homes) that were built (in the
middle 60's) either by the then Gas Board or with a grant from said Gas
Board and were built round gas fired hot air heating. By the early
nineties when I moved in none of the houses had this form of heating.
The gas 'boilers' had been removed leaving a big empty space (about 4
foot by 6 foot) in the middle of the ground floor. The space is only
accessible through a 2 foot high door. There is further space taken up
by 2 ducts upstairs.

Why were they removed? I spoke to two of the original residents (now
deceased) who lived in these houses while the hot air heating was
operational. The temperature maintained was not sufficient
(supplemented by an open fire that was also in the middle of the house).
The forced hot air made the house draughty; you had to be careful not to
block the vents that were in the floor; it was noisy, particularly at
night.

Some owners hung on to the system until the Gas Board refused to
maintain the system and disabled all the remaining boilers.

[me9]

Post by Nicholas D. Richards
My house is part of two terraces (nine homes) that were built (in the
middle 60's) either by the then Gas Board or with a grant from said Gas
Board and were built round gas fired hot air heating. By the early
nineties when I moved in none of the houses had this form of heating. The
gas 'boilers' had been removed leaving a big empty space (about 4 foot by
6 foot) in the middle of the ground floor. The space is only accessible
through a 2 foot high door. There is further space taken up by 2 ducts
upstairs.
Why were they removed? I spoke to two of the original residents (now
deceased) who lived in these houses while the hot air heating was
operational. The temperature maintained was not sufficient (supplemented
by an open fire that was also in the middle of the house). The forced hot
air made the house draughty; you had to be careful not to block the vents
that were in the floor; it was noisy, particularly at night.
Some owners hung on to the system until the Gas Board refused to maintain
the system and disabled all the remaining boilers.

I've had two houses with that type of system. They are excellent when set up
correctly. The gas board was the worst organisation for setting them up.
Next door was freezing, and calling out BG often to get it working better.
Neighbours commented on how warm our house was. (larger house but the same
size heater) BG etc. had no idea how to balance the system, their only idea
was to (unnecessarily) put the fam on maximum, which added draughts and
noise..

We abandoned warm air after teh extra length of duct runs made it difficult
to heat the last extension.

[Julian Macassey]

Post by Kerr-Mudd, John
Why are people ditching combi-boilers? I this the Big Change to ASHPs?

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists ?

[Nicholas D. Richards]

Post by Peter

Post by tim+
Until today we had a standard condensing boiler with a coaxial flue.
Now we have a hole in our gable wall that I'd like to block up.
The problem is, the boiler was in the attic of a two story house
and even if I had a ladder that would reach, I wouldn't like to
work at that height.
This must be a fairly common issue. What's the easiest solution?
Some sort of plug that can be inserted from the inside?

I never thought of that - we have exactly the same issue. Our combi boiler
was removed about a month ago so I've just gone outside and sure enough the
flue is still in place. So is the pressure relief vent. Provided they've
blocked it off internally I'm not too worried - it can stay there. It's not
too unsightly When I can get up into the loft I'll check.

One thing to watch out for is a nest of colonial bees or wasps. One of
my neighbours was attacked when he discovered masonry bee/wasps had
colonised in his wall space. Their point of entry was an inadequately
blocked hole left after the boiler had been removed.

[Peter]

Post by Nicholas D. Richards
One thing to watch out for is a nest of colonial bees or wasps. One
of my neighbours was attacked when he discovered masonry bee/wasps had
colonised in his wall space. Their point of entry was an inadequately
blocked hole left after the boiler had been removed.

We've had wasps' nests in the loft a couple of years. One rather large and
inconveient one had to be removed (not by me!). So I'll definitely check
that the end of the flue has been sealed.

[Tim+]

Post by Peter

Post by Nicholas D. Richards
One thing to watch out for is a nest of colonial bees or wasps. One
of my neighbours was attacked when he discovered masonry bee/wasps had
colonised in his wall space. Their point of entry was an inadequately
blocked hole left after the boiler had been removed.

We've had wasps' nests in the loft a couple of years. One rather large and
inconveient one had to be removed (not by me!). So I'll definitely check
that the end of the flue has been sealed.

For anyone interested, this is what I bought.

Ventilation GABDF125R Ventilation...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08KQG56GJ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

It’s dead cunning. Folds in half so that it can be pushed through a 110mm
pipe from inside the house and then unfolds outside. Very clever. Keeps
the bugs out and if the loft gets too draughty I’m sure I could block it up
but I doubt I’ll need to.

Tim

[Kerr-Mudd, John]

On 10 Apr 2025 18:51:14 GMT

Post by Tim+

Post by Peter

Post by Nicholas D. Richards
One thing to watch out for is a nest of colonial bees or wasps. One
of my neighbours was attacked when he discovered masonry bee/wasps had
colonised in his wall space. Their point of entry was an inadequately
blocked hole left after the boiler had been removed.

We've had wasps' nests in the loft a couple of years. One rather large and
inconveient one had to be removed (not by me!). So I'll definitely check
that the end of the flue has been sealed.

For anyone interested, this is what I bought.
Ventilation GABDF125R Ventilation...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08KQG56GJ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
It’s dead cunning. Folds in half so that it can be pushed through a 110mm
pipe from inside the house and then unfolds outside. Very clever. Keeps
the bugs out and if the loft gets too draughty I’m sure I could block it up
but I doubt I’ll need to.

"Targets Dog Species" ?????

[Tim+]

Post by Kerr-Mudd, John
On 10 Apr 2025 18:51:14 GMT

Post by Tim+

Post by Peter

Post by Nicholas D. Richards
One thing to watch out for is a nest of colonial bees or wasps. One
of my neighbours was attacked when he discovered masonry bee/wasps had
colonised in his wall space. Their point of entry was an inadequately
blocked hole left after the boiler had been removed.

We've had wasps' nests in the loft a couple of years. One rather large and
inconveient one had to be removed (not by me!). So I'll definitely check
that the end of the flue has been sealed.

For anyone interested, this is what I bought.
Ventilation GABDF125R Ventilation...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08KQG56GJ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
It’s dead cunning. Folds in half so that it can be pushed through a 110mm
pipe from inside the house and then unfolds outside. Very clever. Keeps
the bugs out and if the loft gets too draughty I’m sure I could block it up
but I doubt I’ll need to.

"Targets Dog Species" ?????

Mock all you like but not a single dog has broken into my loft since
fitting it. Also seems effective against elephants too.

Tim

[Peter]

Post by Tim+

Post by Kerr-Mudd, John
On 10 Apr 2025 18:51:14 GMT

Post by Tim+

Post by Peter

Post by Nicholas D. Richards
One thing to watch out for is a nest of colonial bees or wasps.
One of my neighbours was attacked when he discovered masonry
bee/wasps had colonised in his wall space. Their point of entry
was an inadequately blocked hole left after the boiler had been
removed.

We've had wasps' nests in the loft a couple of years. One rather
large and inconveient one had to be removed (not by me!). So I'll
definitely check that the end of the flue has been sealed.

For anyone interested, this is what I bought.
Ventilation GABDF125R Ventilation...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08KQG56GJ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
It’s dead cunning. Folds in half so that it can be pushed through
a 110mm pipe from inside the house and then unfolds outside. Very
clever. Keeps the bugs out and if the loft gets too draughty I’m
sure I could block it up but I doubt I’ll need to.

"Targets Dog Species" ?????

Mock all you like but not a single dog has broken into my loft since
fitting it. Also seems effective against elephants too.

Thanks, I'll make a note of that. I was a bit worried about elephants
getting into the loft so this will be reassuring.

[Richard Robinson]

Post by Peter

Post by Tim+

Post by Kerr-Mudd, John

Post by Tim+

Post by Peter

Post by Nicholas D. Richards
One thing to watch out for is a nest of colonial bees or wasps.
One of my neighbours was attacked when he discovered masonry
bee/wasps had colonised in his wall space. Their point of entry
was an inadequately blocked hole left after the boiler had been
removed.

We've had wasps' nests in the loft a couple of years. One rather
large and inconveient one had to be removed (not by me!). So I'll
definitely check that the end of the flue has been sealed.

For anyone interested, this is what I bought.
Ventilation GABDF125R Ventilation...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08KQG56GJ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
It’s dead cunning. Folds in half so that it can be pushed through
a 110mm pipe from inside the house and then unfolds outside. Very
clever. Keeps the bugs out and if the loft gets too draughty I’m
sure I could block it up but I doubt I’ll need to.

"Targets Dog Species" ?????

Mock all you like but not a single dog has broken into my loft since
fitting it. Also seems effective against elephants too.

Thanks, I'll make a note of that. I was a bit worried about elephants
getting into the loft so this will be reassuring.

Not having one of these, I worry that my attic might be infested by
invisible weightless elephants, how can I check ? And is it equally
effective against bats, for those who have a belfry ?

[Peter]

Post by Richard Robinson

Post by Peter
Thanks, I'll make a note of that. I was a bit worried about elephants
getting into the loft so this will be reassuring.

Not having one of these, I worry that my attic might be infested by
invisible weightless elephants, how can I check ? And is it equally
effective against bats, for those who have a belfry ?

I reckon that my belfry is bat-free. SWMBO disagrees.

[Nicholas D. Richards]

Post by Peter

Post by Richard Robinson

Post by Peter
Thanks, I'll make a note of that. I was a bit worried about elephants
getting into the loft so this will be reassuring.

Not having one of these, I worry that my attic might be infested by
invisible weightless elephants, how can I check ? And is it equally
effective against bats, for those who have a belfry ?

I reckon that my belfry is bat-free. SWMBO disagrees.

Ah, but is your roof space bat free?

In the UK you can clear your belfry of weightless (or otherwise)
hefferlumps. However, bats are protected and it is almost impossible to
clear your roof space if bats are roosting in that space.

[Tim+]

Post by Richard Robinson
Not having one of these, I worry that my attic might be infested by
invisible weightless elephants, how can I check ?

Working on the assumption that invisible elephant digestion is not too
dissimilar to a cow’s digestion, a gas detector of some sort might alert
you to their presence.

Post by Richard Robinson
And is it equally
effective against bats, for those who have a belfry ?

I think if they’re bigger than 2mm in any direction, it should exclude them
(unless they’re needle shaped).

Tim

[Adrian]

In message

Post by Tim+

Post by Richard Robinson
Not having one of these, I worry that my attic might be infested by
invisible weightless elephants, how can I check ?

Working on the assumption that invisible elephant digestion is not too
dissimilar to a cow’s digestion, a gas detector of some sort might alert
you to their presence.

But how would he tell the difference if he had invisible weightless cows
?

Adrian

[Kerr-Mudd, John]

On Fri, 11 Apr 2025 16:59:37 +0100

Post by Adrian
In message

Post by Tim+

Post by Richard Robinson
Not having one of these, I worry that my attic might be infested by
invisible weightless elephants, how can I check ?

Working on the assumption that invisible elephant digestion is not too
dissimilar to a cow’s digestion, a gas detector of some sort might alert
you to their presence.

But how would he tell the difference if he had invisible weightless cows
?

Assuming spherical ones, or at least round hole sized. It's clearly too
late now, they got in earlier.

PS Flatulance will get you nowhere, as I learnt early on in my courting
career.

[Tim+]

Post by Adrian
In message

Post by Tim+

Post by Richard Robinson
Not having one of these, I worry that my attic might be infested by
invisible weightless elephants, how can I check ?

Working on the assumption that invisible elephant digestion is not too
dissimilar to a cow’s digestion, a gas detector of some sort might alert
you to their presence.

But how would he tell the difference if he had invisible weightless cows
?

Feel for the udders/breasts. Cows have udders between their hind legs.
Elephants have breasts between their front legs.

Of course this only works for the lady ones.

Tim

[Nicholas D. Richards]

Post by Tim+

Post by Adrian
In message

Post by Tim+

Post by Richard Robinson
Not having one of these, I worry that my attic might be infested by
invisible weightless elephants, how can I check ?

Working on the assumption that invisible elephant digestion is not too
dissimilar to a cow’s digestion, a gas detector of some sort might alert
you to their presence.

But how would he tell the difference if he had invisible weightless cows
?

Feel for the udders/breasts. Cows have udders between their hind legs.
Elephants have breasts between their front legs.
Of course this only works for the lady ones.

Stand behind the 'gentleman' cows and you might see two very big reasons
to wonder how they can walk.

'Gentlemen' heffalumps do not have that problem, their 'eggs' are stored
internally, close to their kidneys. Very unusual for mammals.

[Tim+]

Post by Nicholas D. Richards

Post by Tim+

Post by Adrian
In message

Post by Tim+

Post by Richard Robinson
Not having one of these, I worry that my attic might be infested by
invisible weightless elephants, how can I check ?

Working on the assumption that invisible elephant digestion is not too
dissimilar to a cow’s digestion, a gas detector of some sort might alert
you to their presence.

But how would he tell the difference if he had invisible weightless cows
?

Feel for the udders/breasts. Cows have udders between their hind legs.
Elephants have breasts between their front legs.
Of course this only works for the lady ones.

Stand behind the 'gentleman' cows and you might see two very big reasons
to wonder how they can walk.
'Gentlemen' heffalumps do not have that problem, their 'eggs' are stored
internally, close to their kidneys. Very unusual for mammals.

How fascinating. I wonder how they manage a trick that other mammals fail
to master?

Tim

[Richard Robinson]

Post by Tim+

Post by Nicholas D. Richards

Post by Tim+

Post by Adrian
In message

Post by Tim+

Post by Richard Robinson
Not having one of these, I worry that my attic might be infested by
invisible weightless elephants, how can I check ?

Working on the assumption that invisible elephant digestion is not too
dissimilar to a cow’s digestion, a gas detector of some sort might alert
you to their presence.

But how would he tell the difference if he had invisible weightless cows
?

Feel for the udders/breasts. Cows have udders between their hind legs.
Elephants have breasts between their front legs.
Of course this only works for the lady ones.

Stand behind the 'gentleman' cows and you might see two very big reasons
to wonder how they can walk.
'Gentlemen' heffalumps do not have that problem, their 'eggs' are stored
internally, close to their kidneys. Very unusual for mammals.

How fascinating. I wonder how they manage a trick that other mammals fail
to master?

They're famous for their memory ... of bricks ?

[Nicholas D. Richards]

Post by Tim+

Post by Nicholas D. Richards

Post by Tim+

Post by Adrian
In message

Post by Tim+

Post by Richard Robinson
Not having one of these, I worry that my attic might be infested by
invisible weightless elephants, how can I check ?

Working on the assumption that invisible elephant digestion is not too
dissimilar to a cow’s digestion, a gas detector of some sort might alert
you to their presence.

But how would he tell the difference if he had invisible weightless cows
?

Feel for the udders/breasts. Cows have udders between their hind legs.
Elephants have breasts between their front legs.
Of course this only works for the lady ones.

Stand behind the 'gentleman' cows and you might see two very big reasons
to wonder how they can walk.
'Gentlemen' heffalumps do not have that problem, their 'eggs' are stored
internally, close to their kidneys. Very unusual for mammals.

How fascinating. I wonder how they manage a trick that other mammals fail
to master?

No idea. The evolutionary trend has been for mammals testes to descend
into an external pouch (scrotum) or very close to the such a pouch. The
suggestion is that sperm cells are less likely to be deformed at a lower
temperature (by about 7ºC) than the normal core body temperature.

The exceptions are the elephants and their allies (notably hyraxes and
manatees) and some of the cetaceans.

[Tim+]

Post by Nicholas D. Richards

Post by Tim+

Post by Nicholas D. Richards
'Gentlemen' heffalumps do not have that problem, their 'eggs' are stored
internally, close to their kidneys. Very unusual for mammals.

How fascinating. I wonder how they manage a trick that other mammals fail
to master?

No idea. The evolutionary trend has been for mammals testes to descend
into an external pouch (scrotum) or very close to the such a pouch. The
suggestion is that sperm cells are less likely to be deformed at a lower
temperature (by about 7ºC) than the normal core body temperature.
The exceptions are the elephants and their allies (notably hyraxes and
manatees) and some of the cetaceans.

“Some of the cetaceans…”? This is even more boggling. Which cetaceans have
scrotums?

Tim

[Nicholas D. Richards]

Post by Tim+

Post by Nicholas D. Richards

Post by Tim+

Post by Nicholas D. Richards
'Gentlemen' heffalumps do not have that problem, their 'eggs' are stored
internally, close to their kidneys. Very unusual for mammals.

How fascinating. I wonder how they manage a trick that other mammals fail
to master?

No idea. The evolutionary trend has been for mammals testes to descend
into an external pouch (scrotum) or very close to the such a pouch. The
suggestion is that sperm cells are less likely to be deformed at a lower
temperature (by about 7ºC) than the normal core body temperature.
The exceptions are the elephants and their allies (notably hyraxes and
manatees) and some of the cetaceans.

“Some of the cetaceans…”? This is even more boggling. Which cetaceans have
scrotums?

I was working from memory (imperfect) and cetaceans do not have scrotal
sacs.

[Richard Robinson]

Post by Adrian
In message

Post by Tim+

Post by Richard Robinson
Not having one of these, I worry that my attic might be infested by
invisible weightless elephants, how can I check ?

Working on the assumption that invisible elephant digestion is not too
dissimilar to a cow’s digestion, a gas detector of some sort might alert
you to their presence.

But how would he tell the difference if he had invisible weightless cows
?
adrian

Would they moo silently ?

[Kerr-Mudd, John]

On Fri, 11 Apr 2025 11:48:29 -0000 (UTC)

Post by Richard Robinson

Post by Peter

Post by Tim+

Post by Kerr-Mudd, John

Post by Tim+

Post by Peter

Post by Nicholas D. Richards
One thing to watch out for is a nest of colonial bees or wasps.
One of my neighbours was attacked when he discovered masonry
bee/wasps had colonised in his wall space. Their point of entry
was an inadequately blocked hole left after the boiler had been
removed.

We've had wasps' nests in the loft a couple of years. One rather
large and inconveient one had to be removed (not by me!). So I'll
definitely check that the end of the flue has been sealed.

For anyone interested, this is what I bought.
Ventilation GABDF125R Ventilation...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08KQG56GJ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
It’s dead cunning. Folds in half so that it can be pushed through
a 110mm pipe from inside the house and then unfolds outside. Very
clever. Keeps the bugs out and if the loft gets too draughty I’m
sure I could block it up but I doubt I’ll need to.

"Targets Dog Species" ?????

Mock all you like but not a single dog has broken into my loft since
fitting it. Also seems effective against elephants too.

Thanks, I'll make a note of that. I was a bit worried about elephants
getting into the loft so this will be reassuring.

Not having one of these, I worry that my attic might be infested by
invisible weightless elephants, how can I check ? And is it equally
effective against bats, for those who have a belfry ?

I [relationship redacted] know of a lady who has been infested with
invisible cats. I suppose this is a comfort to the pest control people
that she used to regularly call out to deal with the mice (just as
invisible) in the skirting boards.

[Mike Spencer]

Post by Richard Robinson
Not having one of these, I worry that my attic might be infested by
invisible weightless elephants, how can I check ? And is it equally
effective against bats, for those who have a belfry ?

You can't see invisible elephants but there are no invisible tennis
shoes. Have a close look with a good light for red tennis shoes,
especially in groups of four.

[Richard Robinson]

Post by Mike Spencer

Post by Richard Robinson
Not having one of these, I worry that my attic might be infested by
invisible weightless elephants, how can I check ? And is it equally
effective against bats, for those who have a belfry ?

You can't see invisible elephants but there are no invisible tennis
shoes. Have a close look with a good light for red tennis shoes,
especially in groups of four.

But they might have painted their toenails red, so now I have to worry
about invisible cherrytrees as well ?

[Richard Robinson]

Post by Richard Robinson

Post by Mike Spencer

Post by Richard Robinson
Not having one of these, I worry that my attic might be infested by
invisible weightless elephants, how can I check ? And is it equally
effective against bats, for those who have a belfry ?

You can't see invisible elephants but there are no invisible tennis
shoes. Have a close look with a good light for red tennis shoes,
especially in groups of four.

But they might have painted their toenails red, so now I have to worry
about invisible cherrytrees as well ?

Or, even worse, invisible weightless elephants several inches above the
floor, with no invisible feet ?

[Mike Spencer]

Post by Richard Robinson

Post by Mike Spencer

Post by Richard Robinson
Not having one of these, I worry that my attic might be infested by
invisible weightless elephants, how can I check ? And is it equally
effective against bats, for those who have a belfry ?

You can't see invisible elephants but there are no invisible tennis
shoes. Have a close look with a good light for red tennis shoes,
especially in groups of four.

But they might have painted their toenails red, so now I have to worry
about invisible cherrytrees as well ?

No head room in an attic for cherry trees. Maybe an invisible
strawberry patch?

[Nicholas D. Richards]

Post by Richard Robinson

Post by Mike Spencer

Post by Richard Robinson
Not having one of these, I worry that my attic might be infested by
invisible weightless elephants, how can I check ? And is it equally
effective against bats, for those who have a belfry ?

You can't see invisible elephants but there are no invisible tennis
shoes. Have a close look with a good light for red tennis shoes,
especially in groups of four.

But they might have painted their toenails red, so now I have to worry
about invisible cherrytrees as well ?

Fine as long as you do not have invisible custard in your roof space!

[Sn!pe]

Nicholas D. Richards <***@salmiron.com> wrote:

[...]

Post by Nicholas D. Richards

Post by Richard Robinson

Post by Mike Spencer
You can't see invisible elephants but there are no invisible tennis
shoes. Have a close look with a good light for red tennis shoes,
especially in groups of four.

But they might have painted their toenails red, so now I have to worry
about invisible cherrytrees as well ?

Fine as long as you do not have invisible custard in your roof space!

Cue: The Choir Invisibule singing (con brio) 'Nellie the Heffalump'.

"O May I join the choir invisibule
Of those immortal dead who live again"

--George Eliot

[Richard Robinson]

Post by Nicholas D. Richards

Post by Richard Robinson

Post by Mike Spencer

Post by Richard Robinson
Not having one of these, I worry that my attic might be infested by
invisible weightless elephants, how can I check ? And is it equally
effective against bats, for those who have a belfry ?

You can't see invisible elephants but there are no invisible tennis
shoes. Have a close look with a good light for red tennis shoes,
especially in groups of four.

But they might have painted their toenails red, so now I have to worry
about invisible cherrytrees as well ?

Fine as long as you do not have invisible custard in your roof space!

Ah yes, that would be a problem.

[Nicholas D. Richards]

Post by Tim+

Post by Kerr-Mudd, John
On 10 Apr 2025 18:51:14 GMT

Post by Tim+

Post by Peter

Post by Nicholas D. Richards
One thing to watch out for is a nest of colonial bees or wasps. One
of my neighbours was attacked when he discovered masonry bee/wasps had
colonised in his wall space. Their point of entry was an inadequately
blocked hole left after the boiler had been removed.

We've had wasps' nests in the loft a couple of years. One rather large and
inconveient one had to be removed (not by me!). So I'll definitely check
that the end of the flue has been sealed.

For anyone interested, this is what I bought.
Ventilation GABDF125R Ventilation...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08KQG56GJ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
It’s dead cunning. Folds in half so that it can be pushed through a 110mm
pipe from inside the house and then unfolds outside. Very clever. Keeps
the bugs out and if the loft gets too draughty I’m sure I could block it up
but I doubt I’ll need to.

"Targets Dog Species" ?????

Mock all you like but not a single dog has broken into my loft since
fitting it. Also seems effective against elephants too.

I asked my wife why she was putting talcum powder in the ginnel. She
said that "It keeps the lions away."

It must work; I have seen no lions since we moved here, however I wish
it would also keep those oybbql parrots grey tree rats away. Ohttre'rz

[Peter]

Post by Peter

Post by tim+
Until today we had a standard condensing boiler with a coaxial flue.
Now we have a hole in our gable wall that I'd like to block up.
The problem is, the boiler was in the attic of a two story house
and even if I had a ladder that would reach, I wouldn't like to
work at that height.
This must be a fairly common issue. What's the easiest solution?
Some sort of plug that can be inserted from the inside?

I never thought of that - we have exactly the same issue. Our combi
boiler was removed about a month ago so I've just gone outside and
sure enough the flue is still in place. So is the pressure relief
vent. Provided they've blocked it off internally I'm not too worried -
it can stay there. It's not too unsightly When I can get up into the
loft I'll check.

Today I got a platform that lets me get up into the loft so I was able to
check the inside of the flue pipe. Sure enough, they've blocked it off with
polyurethane foam, so no danger of insect intrusion. I'm not too worried
about wasps, but Asian hornets have been spotted not too far away and I
really don't want them in the house.