How To Install A Fireplace Vent On An External Wall?

Venting horizontally through a wall is a simple solution for installing a gas fireplace on an exterior wall. This involves running pipe from the back of the fireplace out through the wall and installing a termination cap. In this DIY guide, the end-to-end process includes selecting the location where the fireplace will be installed, choosing the best spot, and setting up the vent.

The two-layer design of direct-vent fireplaces allows the vents to run vertically, keeping the outside of the pipe relatively cool. The up and out venting installation is the most common and often the easiest option, used with top vent fireplaces on an exterior wall. The vent is run vertical for a certain length and then bent to pass through the exterior wall and connect to the horizontal termination.

When venting through the wall, it is advisable to have the vent termination at least 10-12 inches beyond the exterior surface of the wall. Direct the two concentric pipes to the elbow and they should go right through snugly. Connect the pipes outside as well, directing them up to the fireplace.

To start, attach the first flue section to the vent collar on the fireplace. For air-cooled chimneys, attach the inner section first, then the outer section. Connect the 90-degree elbow and a 9-in. straight section to the first vent pipe, meeting the exterior wall at a 90-degree angle. Trace the vent to ensure proper ventilation.

In summary, venting horizontally through a wall is a simple and effective solution for installing a gas fireplace without a chimney.

Can you put a vent on an outside wall?

Vents at exterior walls, particularly at windows, are intentional by architects, even in new LEED certified buildings. Condensation buildup on windows can cause moisture to infiltrate the exterior wall, destroying insulation and growing mold. In northern climates, ice on windows without proper ventilation is common. Cold pockets create chilly drafts, which people react to by turning up the heat. Heating the cold air near the window maintains insulation between heated and non-heated spaces.

Some retrofits run ducts through exterior walls in ways they shouldn’t, but this is a design problem rather than a problem with the concept of venting at exterior walls. In my own home, the builder routed three ducts that used to go up the center wall up outside walls, exposing some of the hottest air to the outdoors. However, the builder tried to put as thick a layer of insulation as possible between the ducts and the outside walls. Since we chose 6″ insulation and used 2″ deep, 14″ wide ducts instead of round ducts, we managed to get 4″ of Roxul insulation behind two of the three ducts in question.

Can you have a fireplace without a vent?

Ventless gas fireplaces are a convenient and efficient way to enjoy a fire without the need for wood storage or cleaning ash. They burn cleaner than vented models, thanks to a regulator that mixes gas and air, eliminating exhaust fumes. This makes them work similarly to a kitchen gas range, eliminating the need for a chimney flue.

The smart design of ventless fireplaces involves pulling air from the room and channeling it through the regulator to create the flame. The warm air is then pushed back into the room through an outlet at the top of the fireplace, resulting in more heat since none of it is being vented outside. This u-shaped design ensures that the fireplace remains safe for the family to use.

Does a vent hood need to be on an exterior wall?

The following article examines the various types of range hoods and their respective ventilation options, with the objective of assisting readers in identifying the optimal solution for their kitchen. It examines the advantages of venting a range hood to the exterior and the various ventilation alternatives that are available. Furthermore, it emphasizes the significance of procuring range hoods from Silica for your domicile, as this will enable you to remain informed about the latest offers, ideas, and developments.

Does my fireplace need a vent?

In the absence of adequate ventilation, smoke and soot may infiltrate the interior of a residence via the chimney or flue. Mechanical ventilation is an effective method for removing poor-quality air; however, it is not the optimal solution for venting a fireplace due to its inability to be activated and its performance being contingent upon the condition of the filter. To guarantee optimal ventilation, it is essential to draw a constant supply of fresh air from outside the residence.

What is the difference between a fire wall and an exterior wall?

Firewalls are sturdy walls designed to withstand fire for up to four hours, ensuring the building remains standing even if other parts collapse. These thicker walls stretch from the foundation to the roof, and are considered separate buildings if they are subdivided. They must meet ASTM fire-resistance building standards and can be supported with pilasters or buttresses. Standard firewalls are made from concrete or masonry and lack windows, doors, or other openings. Expansion joints allow the material to expand to withstand fire heat. Firewalls also need to withstand force from other collapsed structures or items within the building.

Can I flue my stove up an outside wall?

Twin wall insulated flue pipes can be installed through an external wall and up the outside of a house, but they are more expensive and require more installation time due to the presence of a 45 degree bend and 135 degree Tee. They also result in a colder chimney than a full internal system. However, the prices for twin wall insulated flue are reasonable and there is no need to use space above the stove. To design an external flue system, flue designers require specific details and measurements. A printable checklist is available as a PDF at the bottom of the page to help gather these details.

Can you put a fireplace on an exterior wall?

Direct-vent gas or electric fireplaces are the easiest to install, as they can be installed on any exterior wall and vent directly out the back. They provide room ambience and warmth, and are easy to clean and maintain. Zero-clearance or factory-built fireplaces are lightweight, lightweight, and require less construction work than masonry fireplaces. They can be installed in any room, even over hardwood floors and within a few inches of existing walls.

The location of the new fireplace will affect the complexity and cost of the job, as gas and electric fireplaces can be placed in areas that wood fireplaces wouldn’t work in due to simpler venting needs. Consult with your contractor or installer to understand the placement options best for your specific home.

How do you vent a fireplace to the outside?

Gas fireplaces can be vented horizontally through the wall or vertically through the roof, while wood-burning fireplaces and stoves require vertical venting through the roof. Pellet stoves are often vented horizontally through the wall to the outdoors, while fireplace inserts are typically vented horizontally through the roof using an existing chimney. Direct vent fireplaces have two chambers, one drawing fresh outdoor air for combustion and the other expelling the fire’s exhaust, gases, and by-products outside. Cool indoor air is drawn into the lower chamber, circulates around the firebox, and is released as warm air with a fan.

Why does my fireplace have a vent outside?

Direct vent technology is a sealed combustion system that ensures the quality of the indoor air by drawing in outside air for combustion and expelling 100% of the exhaust and byproducts outside the home.

Do outdoor fireplaces need a vent?

Wood-burning fireplaces produce more smoke than gas fireplaces, making them more suitable for outdoor use. However, if your fireplace relies on wood, a chimney is necessary for proper ventilation. Smoke can damage lungs and pose a threat to your space. Chimneys provide adequate air circulation to prevent harmful smoke from causing illness or damage. Wood-burning fireplaces require oxygen to burn properly, and chimneys allow for drafts to enter without intervention.

Stoking a fire can be tedious, especially when using outdoor space for relaxation. Chimneys circulate oxygen and cultivate the fire, allowing you to enjoy windy days without worrying about the breeze extinguishing it.

Does direct vent fireplace need to be on exterior wall?

The current range of venting options permits the installation of direct vents in any location within a domestic property, either vertically through the roof or horizontally through an exterior wall. A local dealer can assist in determining the optimal venting solution for a given layout.