Our Process
Inside a vent repair on your Slavia fireplace
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 Slavia 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.
Changes near the vent after installation
A vent maker's clearance list covers decks, porches, balconies, soffits, windows and doors, gas meters and regulators, air inlets and walkways. Any of those added or changed after the fireplace went in can bring the termination out of line with what was approved.
Mention any recent additions or remodeling near the vent at your Slavia home, even if someone else did the work. Our team measures the current layout, which is what the vent has to meet today.
Household chemicals and vent corrosion
The Type B instructions describe a cause of corrosion that has nothing to do with the vent itself. Where spray cans or solvents are used heavily, as in laundry areas or paint shops, halogenated compounds get into the combustion air and form corrosive compounds when they are burned.
If the room around your Slavia fireplace doubles as a hobby space or stores cleaning products, our team mentions it. The instructions' answer is to isolate the appliance or bring its air from outside or from an uncontaminated area.
Protecting exterior vent parts
Exterior vent parts weather like anything else on a roof or wall. The Type B instructions note that outside portions of the vent may be painted with high temperature paint to help prevent rusting, and a listed top locked to the pipe protects the vent against rain, debris and birds.
The finish on exposed vent parts and the cap's hold on the pipe get checked on your Slavia home. Rusted parts are replaced, and sound parts can be cleaned and painted with a suitable high temperature paint.
