Tim<
I purchased a home which had a vented gas fireplace. However, it doesn't
appear to me to have been installed properly. 1.) The flu is double pipe
but I need instructions or requirements where it goes through the ceiling
into the attic and then on through the roof...special fixtures needed or is
the double walled flu sufficient in contact with drywall?
2.) On the roof, how far up should the vent pipe go in relation to the roof
and pitch of the roof? What type of cap is best?
3.) Is a damper suggested to keep cold air drain into the house when the
gas fireplace is not in use?
4.) Are there after-market devices that can be attached to the stove or the
flu to better utilize escaping heat?
I'd sure appreciate it if you could provide a reference for me.
Thanks, Jay
Gas Fireplace Installed in Existing Home
Summary: Have your contractor install your gas fireplace following the manufacturers instruction. Make sure the size of the fireplace fits your needs. A ventless fireplace could increase the water vapor in your home.
DEAR TIM: My home
is three years old, when it was built I had the builder frame out for a fireplace to
be installed at a later date. What else besides cutting away the drywall would
it take for a contractor to install a prefab fireplace? I am looking for gas
logs ventless or vented. I just want to get the feel of a more realistic
fireplace not something stuck out in the room.
Phil H.
Phil H.
DEAR PHIL: When you say frame out, I assume the house has a
wooden chimney chase installed up to and out of the roof. This means you need to
purchase a prefabricated fireplace that has a metal chimney pipe that is
approved for such instances. If there is no chimney chase, you are still in
great shape as you can purchase a direct vent fireplace that exhausts out a
nearby wall or directly behind the fireplace.
I am not a huge fan of
ventless or vent-free fireplaces or gas fireplace logs. A by-product of burning natural
gas is water vapor. If you burn vent-free gas logs for extended periods of time,
you inject vast amounts of water vapor into the inside air of your home. This
water vapor can condense on cooler surfaces, such as exterior walls or attic
spaces unless you have excellent vapor retarders and fantastic attic
ventilation.
Pick a fireplace that will fit your current conditions and
read the installation instructions cover to cover. Then start to get bids from
contractors who will install it exactly that way. Put wording in the contract
that says they must follow the instructions to the letter.
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Comments:
Jay Reed 13 Dec 2007, 13:49
AsktheBuilder 15 Dec 2007, 10:46
Jay,
Obtain the written installation instructions from the manufacturer. It is that simple.
La Von 25 Aug 2008, 22:54
Hello, I have an older home that we are rentavating. There isn't a
fireplace in the house at all, and I would really love one in the living
room. I did read your above information if there isn't a chimney. In your
experience would this be a very expensive thing to do?
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