Gas Fireplace Venting
How does gas fireplace and stove venting work?
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.
What vent system products does HomElectrical sell?
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.