Gas Log Flue venting height.

[lagudo]

I just did an inspection on a home that had a Pre-fab gas log fireplace in the living room. They created a bump out on the exterior of the home to allow for the fireplace and a storage area on the inside of the home. All the interior work is fine. Above the fireplace they added windows roughly 8' wide that fill the void on the gable end. Lets in light. Very nice. My problem is on the exterior of the home where they vented the fireplace. Since the bump out they created on the exterior is roughly 7' high they ran the flue pipe three feet above the bump out roof. This flue is 22" away from the gable end. I believe that they should have run the flue pipe above the gable end which would mean that the flue would have to run another 12' up the side of the house to get 3' above the upper roof line. The reason they didn't do this was that they didn't want the flue pipe showing through the windows in the living area above the fireplace. I think its wrong , any gas appliance vent termination closer then 8' to a wall must terminate at least 2' above the roof edge.
The realtor questioned this because she had talked to the homeowner and they said that this was okayed by the installer. I told her that if they can provide all the documentation necessary for this type of install with a written affidavit from the installer then it was okay with me.
I hope I made this clear for everybody. Any input would be great.
I tried uploading the picture but I can't figure out how to reduce the size on my easy share program to fit into the confines of this board,

Thanks for any info.

Louis Agudo

Home Sweet Home Inspection Services

[David P. Valley]

Louis,

You did the right thing.

This installation is improper and the clearances and recommendations (you mentioned) are absolutely correct.

[Michael W. Gault]

Like David said,
You're correct with all your numbers.
They made a 'cosmetic' decision to terminate above the bump out and thus did not comply with current accepted construction standards (i.e. code ). They will be unable to produce the letter (affidavit) you requested if the do any research at all...

Good call out.

[lagudo]

Hi Guys ,

Thanks for the info. I think I figured out how to reduce the image size and post, so here it goes.

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by lagudo

Hi Guys ,

Thanks for the info. I think I figured out how to reduce the image size and post, so here it goes.

Congrats on figuring out the image re-sizing.

As I stated earlier, this installation is incorrect.

All chimneys must extend a minimum of 3 feet above the roof surface and 2 feet higher than any part of the building within 10 feet.

[Jay Moge]

yup, and i could still see it if i looked out the window, and it looks like those windows would open, if you wanted to. good call.

[lagudo]

Hi Guys,
Received a call from my client and she was told by the seller that when they put the flue pipe in for the gas logs, the code was not like it is now so that the flue should be grandfathered in. The install of the fireplace was 1998. Any information would be a help.

[David P. Valley]

Louis,

This code (that I mentioned in my post above) has been in existence for many, many years.

The Seller does not know what they're talking about.

That Chimney needs to be extended. Period.

[Brian E. Kelly]

Tell her "that may very well be, I am just pointing out as a safety upgrade you should consider updating the flue."
Or use Davids laungauge.

[tneumann]

And then explain why......

[David P. Valley]

Let me explain this in another language. This is the basic chimney rule: The bottom of the vent termination must clear the roof penetration point (the upper edge) by at least 3 feet; further, the bottom of any fireplace vent termination must clear anything within a 10 foot radius by at least 2 feet. This includes: the peak of the house, parapet, dormer, chimney or spire.

[tneumann]

No explanation necessary DV...we get it.

I was merely mentioning to LA that he should explain to his client why the chimney needs to terminate above and away....

[Brian E. Kelly]

No argument here David, I just believe there is some wiggle room on how the information is presented.

[Doug Edwards, CMI]

Yep. I love a good steak but I don't want it served up on a garbage can lid.

[David P. Valley]

Did I appear to post in a rude and arrogant manner?

Sorry guys!!!