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John Dirks Jr
07-07-2009, 05:58 PM
This is the first time I have seen this material used for a furnace vent. Its an fan assisted induced draft gas furnace. New construction. It has a reversed connection and an unscrewed connection as well.

In addition to that, I suspect this material in not correct. Is this flexible accordion aluminum wrong for use as a vent connector?
Gunnar Alquist
07-07-2009, 06:20 PM
John,

I believe most of the major manufacturers make a flexible b-vent now. I think Simpson calls theirs "Dura-Connect". Not a whole lot different from regular b-vent installation requirements. They need proper slope and support. The primary visual difference is the fitting at each end. Looks like there was a fitting in the pic that you posted.
Ron Bibler
07-07-2009, 06:24 PM
Did it have a label or any information ?

Best

Ron
John Dirks Jr
07-07-2009, 06:39 PM
Did it have a label or any information ?

Best

Ron


No label on the flexible portion. The fittings were listed as B-type. The flexible portion was soft aluminum. I could easily crush it with my fingers. I thinks it's aluminum dryer duct. The upper fitting was not screwed together.
John Dirks Jr
07-07-2009, 06:47 PM
It sure looks like this stuff.

Aluminum Ducts Flexible 4 Inch by 8 feet #302 by Lambro Industries at HardwareAndTools.com (http://www.hardwareandtools.com/invt/2085231)
Ron Bibler
07-07-2009, 07:05 PM
I think you are correct John.

Best

Ron
Gunnar Alquist
07-07-2009, 07:11 PM
John,

If you look at the pic that you posted, the corrugations appear to spiral up the material. That is typical for the Dura-Connect product and possibly the others. If you look at the pic in the link that you provided, the corrugations do not spiral but are concentric. Without actually being there, I would say that it is an approved material.

However, you mention that the upper fitting was not screwed together. Did it have a fitting?
John Dirks Jr
07-07-2009, 07:16 PM
Gunnar,

In post # 4 above is the picture of the upper connection.
John Dirks Jr
07-07-2009, 07:19 PM
Shouldn't the approved material be stainless steel? This stuff was aluminum. Look at the first picture I posted. Near the bottom you see a small dent. I did that with moderate pressure of my thumb. It's not steel. No way.
Gunnar Alquist
07-07-2009, 07:32 PM
Shouldn't the approved material be stainless steel? This stuff was aluminum. Look at the first picture I posted. Near the bottom you see a small dent. I did that with moderate pressure of my thumb. It's not steel. No way.

Actually, the inner liner of a Simpson DuraVent b-vent is aluminum. I don't think any standard b-vent is stainless.

Yes, the stuff is pretty fragile. If you are uncomfortable with the material or installation, let your client know.
David OKeefe
07-07-2009, 07:37 PM
John, I think this is what you have there.
http://www.americanmetalproducts.com/vent/ameriflex/images/install/Installation%20Instructions%20-%20ADFC.pdf
John Dirks Jr
07-07-2009, 07:59 PM
John, I think this is what you have there.
http://www.americanmetalproducts.com/vent/ameriflex/images/install/Installation%20Instructions%20-%20ADFC.pdf (http://www.americanmetalproducts.com/vent/ameriflex/images/install/Installation%20Instructions%20-%20ADFC.pdf)

You're on the trail there.

Here is what I found with further searching. Check page 24 of the following. It says its aluminum double wall B vent.

http://www.americanmetalproducts.com/vent/803900%20AmeriVent%20Type%20B%20Gas%20Vent%20Catal og%20-%20Edition%204.pdf


I'll write up the loose unscrewed connection and leave it at that.

Thanks everyone.
David OKeefe
07-07-2009, 08:09 PM
John, The instructions I have also say it is aluminum (#6 in instructions). It also says sheet metal screws are not necessary.
John Dirks Jr
07-07-2009, 08:58 PM
I'm not sure, but when they say screws are not needed, I think they mean when the connector is attached to other American Metal Products.

It is snapped in tight at the bottom to a similar product. But, at the top where is transitions to standard B-vent, the connection is loose. There is no positive connection holding it together up there. Even one screw to hold it in place would be nice.
Jack Murdock
07-08-2009, 03:23 AM
John,
What is the end away from the furnace connected to? Those connectors are used when installers are too lazy to use all b-vent or single wall when appropriate clearances can be met. B-vent should not be used on a draft induced appliance (non-condensing) unless its going into a working chimney properly sized for the appliance(s) with a good draft and/or liner. Greetings from rain soaked NY State. Jack