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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Holladay, UT
    Posts
    577

    Default Direct vent clearance

    Hi all, I need a little help. I have looked everywhere and cannot find the clearance for in front of a direct vent for gas fireplace. This is installed between the house and deck stairs. The decking is composite not wood. I have a data sheet with all clearances above grade, to windows etc. etc. but nowhere can I find the clearance for in front of the vent. Maybe I am overlooking something else here. Thanks!!

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    Tom Rees / A Closer Look Home Inspection / Salt Lake City, Utah
    http://acloserlookslc.com/

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Spring Hill (Nashville), TN
    Posts
    5,851

    Default Re: Direct vent clearance

    Quote Originally Posted by Tom Rees View Post
    Hi all, I need a little help. I have looked everywhere and cannot find the clearance for in front of a direct vent for gas fireplace. This is installed between the house and deck stairs. The decking is composite not wood. I have a data sheet with all clearances above grade, to windows etc. etc. but nowhere can I find the clearance for in front of the vent. Maybe I am overlooking something else here. Thanks!!
    This might help
    http://www.regency-fire.com/Files/Ma...0-918-525.aspx

    Scott Patterson, ACI
    Spring Hill, TN
    www.traceinspections.com

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Holladay, UT
    Posts
    577

    Default Re: Direct vent clearance

    Thanks Scott, That is the diagram I have in my inspection book for quick reference but the one thing it doesn't show is the clearance directly in front of vent.

    Tom Rees / A Closer Look Home Inspection / Salt Lake City, Utah
    http://acloserlookslc.com/

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,042

    Default Re: Direct vent clearance

    When it is firing, can you hold your hand on the combustible material in front of it, or is the combustible material too hot to keep your hand there?

    If you can't keep your hand there, it is likely too close.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Holladay, UT
    Posts
    577

    Default Re: Direct vent clearance

    That's another point. None of the fireplaces had ever had the pilots lit or been used (2011 house). I called for a gas appliance contractor to inspect the fireplaces. I will have them check the clearance while they are there.

    Tom Rees / A Closer Look Home Inspection / Salt Lake City, Utah
    http://acloserlookslc.com/

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Lake Barrington, IL
    Posts
    1,367

    Default Re: Direct vent clearance

    Quote Originally Posted by Tom Rees View Post
    Maybe I am overlooking something else here. Thanks!!
    My approach would be raising a question how well the plastic railing and balusters would withstand the heat. I would write that regardless of what the fireplace specifications said.

    Eric Barker, ACI
    Lake Barrington, IL

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Holladay, UT
    Posts
    577

    Default Re: Direct vent clearance

    Quote Originally Posted by Eric Barker View Post
    My approach would be raising a question how well the plastic railing and balusters would withstand the heat. I would write that regardless of what the fireplace specifications said.
    I agree.

    Tom Rees / A Closer Look Home Inspection / Salt Lake City, Utah
    http://acloserlookslc.com/

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    San Luis Obispo
    Posts
    26

    Default Re: Direct vent clearance

    Quote Originally Posted by Tom Rees View Post
    Hi all, I need a little help. I have looked everywhere and cannot find the clearance for in front of a direct vent for gas fireplace.
    Considering the clearance Clearance under veranda, porch, deck, or balcony is 12" then the front clearance (for combustables) will be at least 12". The mechanical code in your area may require more.
    All that said, way too close to wood/plastic, And that cap can not be replaced with it's 6-8" tail peice without deconstruction of the stairs. I would expect melting plastic railing and balusters with extended use (or burning, because fire).

    I would call FPI (regency) tech and ask.


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