So I have been given conflicting information on the termination of this fireplace vent. My understanding, per manufacture installation guidelines, direct vents through the roof have specific clearance requirements depending on the pitch of the roof. Additionally it has to be a certain distance away from vented soffits. The home I did yesterday is very close to not meeting the guidelines that I have found. But Another home inspector is telling me that this type of vent cap, a star vent cap, does not provide fresh air intake to this fireplace and it requires less clearance. I am not familiar with this type of vent cap. It is a sealed fireplace and I didn’t see a fresh air intake anywhere else. Anyone have any input on the type of cap and clearance on this thing? TIA
The manufacturers installation instructions trumps the home inspectors opinion.
For any others that stumble on this topic of direct vent roof venting. The vent height will vary based on roof pitch. always look for a manufacture model number if present.
there is a link below for quick reference that appears to be common with the direct vents.
Page 11
My Advice is always to call it out if it looks unsafe or questionable. My verbiage would be something like:
*Direct vent termination above roof line had questionable clearance from roof top. Inspector was unable to verify manufacture of vent for reference to acceptable height and side clearances. Have licensed HVAC or Fireplace installation specialist evaluate and check manufactures spec and tolerances. Safety evaluation verification requested. *
I somewhat get your take but it’s unsure and incomplete. People don’t hire us for “unable to verify.” “Unable” is for when the roof is covered with snow. If you must go down the road of blessing a given installation, either do it or don’t. Cite a problem or move on. In this instance, “unable to verify” = “HI not smart enough or too lazy to do the research.” I’m on board with the latter as it’s well outside our SOPs. Fwiw, I see nothing wrong with the install from here. The only possible problem is if there is an intake/soffit vent under that eave. HIs running around with “possible” and “not sure” comments make us look like fools and pollute the industry.
It does appear to be too close to that vented soffit, at least from here.
When in doubt, call it out and let the fireplace contractor buy it off, or the vent can be extended higher if needed.
If it’s a sealed fireplace, there should be a source of combustion air somewhere.
Here’s some information from a manufacturer that may or may not be the same as what was installed there.
That looks like a concentric high wind cap to me, so the intake should be at the cap.