Gas Fireplace Venting

Gas fireplaces either use propane or natural gas, and they also offer different venting options. Gas fireplaces and stoves use either direct venting or b-venting, both installed through the home and terminate outside. Some fireplaces have vent-free options, but many building codes don’t allow them.

With a direct vent gas fireplace, the inner combustion chamber, which contains the hearth and gas log set, draws outdoor air for combustion into the firebox. A flue system expels the exhaust and by-products outside. They can vent vertically or horizontally.

B-vent fireplaces, also called natural vent fireplaces, draw in air from inside the room into the combustion chamber. Then the combustion fumes are vented by a b-vent to vent through the roof. They must vent vertically.

For the simplest horizontal direct vent, run a pipe from the back of the fireplace out through the wall. Next, install a termination cap. Just make sure to determine where the flue’s termination cap should go. Put it in an accessible place and adhere to proper clearance requirements.

A flue refers to the duct, pipe, or vent, by which smoke and waste gas exits the home. Most of the time, the flue goes inside the chimney, but a flue pipe can sometimes exist without a chimney.

A terminal goes at the end of a pipe and guards against the wind and weather.

A termination cap prevents downdrafts and wind interference, which improves air flow. It also keeps outside elements such as rain, snow, and animals away from the flue.

A pipe provides a pathway for the exhaust. Many vent pipes can adjust or bend to snake around obstacles.

An elbow helps change the direction of the pipe.

A connector connects a stove to venting components.

A heat guard helps prevent excess heat buildup, ensuring a safe venting installation.

Flashing, sometimes called a roof boot, goes on the roof and helps prevent water from leaking into the pipe.

A trim collar gives pipes a more finished appearance.

A wall support helps fasten pipes to the wall.

A periscope snorkel penetrates the wall below grade.

A vinyl shield kit protects vinyl siding from melting and warping.