The Selkirk Chimney is an insulated chimney that was invented by Kelly Sveinson in 1933. The first one they made was using the metal from a Coca-Cola sign. That’s why pre-fabricated chimney is called the Selkirk Chimney for years. Because of Sveinson’s invention people were and still can heat their homes safely.
The chimney was made with insulation between the hollow metal inside and metal outside to prevent waste gasses from cooling down too quickly as they were escaping. In a regular brick chimney the gases would cool too quickly causing them to stick to the brick and they would eat away at it causing it to become weak and dangerous. (Selkirk museum, Heritage Highlights 2023)
In 1957, Selkirk introduced “rock wool” insulated chimney for solid fuel appliances.
Selkirk Metal Products were a big success in the US and Canada. Selkirk started a subsidiary Selkirk Manufacturing Limited in Barnstaple, Devon to start manufacturing and selling products to the UK and Europe. Company has changed hands and its name to SFL in 2003.
History sets apart innovators from copiers in the market.
Since 1969, SFL has remained one of the UK’s leading names in flue and chimney manufacturing. An achievement grounded in engineering excellence, Britishbuilt craftsmanship and a relentless commitment to innovation. Serving both residential and commercial sectors, producing highperformance flue solutions that stand the test of time.
Most known SFL brand was SMW® and it was the rockwool insulated Twist Lock chimney used in solid fuel appliances for over 50 years. SMW formed the basis of SFlue® and Nova® branded products. New addition to SMW based flagship systems in SFL’s lineup is the NEXUS® Twin Wall Flue System, engineered and manufactured in the UK to represent the next generation of twistlock chimney technology. NEXUS® combines high thermal efficiency with a userfriendly twistlock jointing mechanism that it is the only twist lock product in the world with wide locking band that stays on for quick installation, celebrated for its clean visual profile and rapid installation method, making it a top choice for installers and homeowners seeking both aesthetics and performance. Designed for all solid fuels, its fully welded construction and highperformance insulation support both EcoDesignready and DEFRAapproved appliances, while the standard RAL 9004 satin black finish ensures a refined appearance suitable for modern and traditional stove installations. With UKCA and CE certifications, the system is backed by robust testing and demonstrates compliance with the latest industry standards.
Supporting the needs of adaptable heating systems, SFL offers the SELFLEX® flexible chimney liner, a doubleskin, multifuel, gas and oilcompatible durable yet flexible product. Its versatility makes it a preferred solution for installations where reliability and compliance are paramount.
To ensure seamless integration between appliances and chimney systems, SFL’s SVIT® vitreous enamel connecting pipe and Sigma® stainless connecting pipe provides a robust and reliable link between stoves and either existing brick chimneys or prefabricated twinwall systems. reinforcing SFL’s commitment to offering complete, endtoend solutions that simplify every stage of the installation process.
SFL Flues and Chimneys
Pottington Business Park
Barnstaple, North Devon, EX31 1LZ
Tel: 01271 326633
