Gas Fireplace Flue Requirements

4 types of gas fireplace venting options.

Gas fireplace flue requirements. Standard for chimneys fireplaces vents and solid fuel burning appliances nfpa 211 reduces fire hazards by ensuring the safe removal of flue gases the proper installation of solid fuel burning appliances and the correct construction and installation of chimneys fireplaces and venting systems. Any damper that requires extra work to move is considered nonoperational and should be repaired. As you d expect the requirements controlling new chimneys flues and appliances are safety based and very detailed. Steel fireplace units incorporating a steel firebox lining shall be constructed with steel not less than 1 4 inch 6 mm thick and an air circulating chamber which is ducted.

Gas fireplace direct vent termination cap clearance distances clearances between the gas fireplace exhaust vent and other building components or features. A functional damper opens and closes easily just by using the handle or lever. The damper in a gas fireplace should remain open all the time. This article gives typical clearance distance requirements between the termination cap of a gas fireplace or fireplace insert and other building or site features such as windows doors other mechanical system components air intakes.

To be up to code all fireplaces must have a damper. Flue pipe increasers and decreasers which are components that change the flue diameter are never recommended unless absolutely necessary and allowable within the manufacturer s requirements for the model or if needed for a particular configuration the use of an increaser for a pellet stove or insert is fairly common. For a gas fireplace exhaust termination cap 3 feet 91cm above if within 10 feet 3m horizontally 4. Installation of steel fireplace units with solid masonry to form a masonry fireplace is permitted when installed either according to the requirements of their listing or according to the requirements of this section.

In direct vent applications this clearance distance must be in compliance with local building codes the requirements of the fuel gas supplier for the heating appliance in use and the appliance manufacturer s instructions. Fireplaces are one of the top amenities homeowners are looking to buy for their home. Fitting altering or replacing an external flue or chimney or installing a new woodburning stove all fall under the building regulations although they are not typically tasks that require planning permission.