What's Included

Gas fireplace vents in Lake Mary, in detail

Direct vent and B-vent systems

Vented gas fireplaces use one of two main systems. A direct vent fireplace is sealed from the room, with a co-axial pipe that brings combustion air in from outside and carries exhaust out, usually through a wall or the roof. A B-vent, or natural vent, fireplace draws air from the room and sends its exhaust through a draft hood and up a double-wall Type B pipe.

The difference decides almost everything about a repair on your Lake Mary fireplace, from the pipe that can be used to where it may end outside. Our team identifies the system from the appliance's rating plate and manual before discussing parts.

The pitch of a horizontal vent run

Horizontal vent runs need the right pitch. DuraVent's direct vent instructions require a horizontal run to be level or rise 1/4 inch for every foot toward the termination, and never to run downward, because a downward slope can trap heat and become a possible fire hazard. Its Type B instructions ask lateral runs to slope upward away from the appliance by at least 1/4 inch per foot.

A run that has sagged since installation can lose that pitch. Our technicians check the slope along the accessible run serving your Lake Mary fireplace and add support or correct the pitch where it has dropped.

Supporting the vent pipe

Vent pipe is heavier than it looks once elbows and long runs are involved. DuraVent's direct vent instructions ask for horizontal sections to be supported at least every 4 feet to prevent sags, and its Type B instructions call for wall straps every four feet, with offsets supported so the weight does not stress the elbows.

Missing straps, a run hanging from its joints or an elbow carrying a long section alone are things our team looks for on your Lake Mary fireplace. Supports are added or replaced as their own line on the estimate.

Carbon monoxide alarms and gas fireplaces

When a carbon monoxide alarm goes off, everyone leaves the house, 911 is called from outside, and nobody goes back in until responders say it is safe. The vent is looked at only after that immediate danger has been handled.

Florida law (section 553.885, Florida Statutes) calls for an approved carbon monoxide alarm within 10 feet of each room used for sleeping in buildings constructed after July 1, 2008 that have a fireplace or a fossil-fuel appliance. On vent visits in Lake Mary, our team reminds you to test the alarms in your home.