Any comments on this fireplace exhuast

[James R. Szczesny]

This Exhaust is to a gas fireplace. it is underneath a deck. this is a pre-listing inspection. How many things are wrong here?

[Christopher Currins]

One would be the notch in the ledger board.

[James R. Szczesny]

its actually not a ledger board,its a left over from a former deck, the newer deck is above it.

[jhugenroth]

Well, I would say that the words "HOT" (stamped on the front of the exhaust) and "WOOD" don't go together unless you're barbecuing.

[rmaday]

Originally Posted by jhugenroth

Well, I would say that the words "HOT" (stamped on the front of the exhaust) and "WOOD" don't go together unless you're barbecuing.

well said!

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

Originally Posted by jszczesny

This Exhaust is to a gas fireplace. it is underneath a deck. this is a pre-listing inspection. How many things are wrong here?

Unless you could get your hands on the manufacturer's venting specifications or you saw scorching or some other evidence of failure or problem, you could recommend that the client check with the manufacturer to confirm compliance with venting specs, otherwise... you could say it looks kind of scary.

[Bob Elliott]

2006 International Residential Code for One and Two Family Dwellings
Part V- Mechanical
Chapter 18 Chimneys and Vents
Section M 1804 Vents
M1804.2.5 Direct vent terminations.
Vent terminals for direct-vent appliances shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
M1804.2.6 Mechanical draft systems.
Mechanical draft systems shall be installed in accordance with their listing, the manufacturer’s installation instructions and, except for direct vent appliances, the following requirements:
1. The vent terminal shall be located not less than 3 feet (914 mm) above a forced air inlet located within 10 feet (3048 mm).
2. The vent terminal shall be located not less than 4 feet (1219 mm) below, 4 feet (1219 mm) horizontally from, or 1 foot (305 mm) above any door, window or gravity air inlet into a dwelling.
3. The vent termination point shall not be located closer than 3 feet (914 mm) to an interior corner formed by two walls perpendicular to each other.
4. The bottom of the vent terminal shall be located at least 12 inches (305 mm) above finished ground level.
5. The vent termination shall not be mounted directly above or within 3 feet (914 mm) horizontally of an oil tank vent or gas meter.
6. Power exhauster terminations shall be located not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from lot lines and adjacent buildings.
7. The discharge shall be directed away from the building.

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

[quote=relliott]
M1804.2.5 Direct vent terminations.
Vent terminals for direct-vent appliances shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
M1804.2.6 Mechanical draft systems.
Mechanical draft systems shall be installed in accordance with their listing, the manufacturer’s installation instructions and, except for direct vent appliances, the following requirements... [quote]

Since that's a direct vent, the listed requirements don't apply.

[cduphily]

Direct Vent Clearances

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

Originally Posted by cduphily

Direct Vent Clearances

from this PDF...

"...as specified in CGA B149 Installations Codes or ANSI
Z223.1. Note: Local Codes or Regulations may require
different clearances."

I'd like to call it, it looks dangerous, but without mfgr's. specs, I don't see how.

[Charles L. Harper]

I would call it out as a "keep your eyes on". Also try to find manufacturers instructions to see for sure. It might be a good place for the "dawg" to sleep when its cold.....just above the vent on the deck.....uuummm.

[James H. Bushart]

One thing everyone can agree on...it is not good for the deck.

As home inspectors, referring to the manufacturer's instructions is about all we can actually do.

Since this was obviously a post-construction addition, is there any chance that the jurisdiction would require a permit for this installation?

[cduphily]

Originally Posted by kshepard

from this PDF...

"...as specified in CGA B149 Installations Codes or ANSI
Z223.1. Note: Local Codes or Regulations may require
different clearances."

I'd like to call it, it looks dangerous, but without mfgr's. specs, I don't see how.

Why not? It's a possible fire hazard regardless of codes. Defer to an HVAC Contractor to sign off on it.

[jhugenroth]

Originally Posted by cduphily

Why not? It's a possible fire hazard regardless of codes. Defer to an HVAC Contractor to sign off on it.

I agree. There are times when common sense takes precedence over all.

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

Originally Posted by cduphily

Why not? It's a possible fire hazard regardless of codes. Defer to an HVAC Contractor to sign off on it.

I agree... tell 'em you don't know, it looks dangerous and recommend a specialist.