B-vent
A listed double-wall metal vent commonly associated with certain gas appliances. Components, clearances and termination follow the system and appliance instructions.
Homeowner reference desk
Thirty concise definitions for reading inspection reports, understanding quotes and asking companies more precise questions.
A listed double-wall metal vent commonly associated with certain gas appliances. Components, clearances and termination follow the system and appliance instructions.
A termination accessory intended to help limit rain, debris and animal entry without restricting venting.
A framed enclosure around a factory-built chimney or vent. The exterior enclosure is not the flue itself.
A fabricated metal cover over the top of a framed chimney chase. Poor slope, seams or penetrations can become water-entry points.
The sloped masonry or concrete top that sheds water away from a masonry stack. It is different from a cap.
The passage between an appliance and the chimney or vent, such as stovepipe. It can require separate access and cleaning.
Flashing integrated with or attached to the chimney that overlaps base or step flashing so water sheds over the roof system.
Combustible residue associated with wood smoke. It can range from loose or flaky deposits to hard, glazed material.
A small peaked roof-like structure on the upslope side of a wider chimney that diverts water around it.
A movable component that controls an opening or flow path. Throat, top-sealing and appliance dampers have different roles.
A sealed-combustion arrangement that generally brings combustion air from outdoors and exhausts products outdoors through a listed system.
White mineral deposits left when moisture moves through masonry and evaporates. It signals moisture movement but not the precise source.
The chamber where fuel burns in a fireplace. Its walls, joints and relationship to the smoke chamber are distinct from the flue above.
A component intended to maintain protection where a chimney or vent passes through parts of a building. Details depend on the system.
The assembly that manages water where the chimney intersects the roof, commonly including base, step and counterflashing.
The passage through which combustion products travel. A chimney can contain one or several flues.
The material forming or lining the flue passage, such as clay tile or a listed metal system.
The noncombustible area at and in front of a fireplace or appliance. Required construction varies by system and applicable requirements.
A scope associated with readily accessible portions of a system under continued, unchanged use and normal operating conditions.
A more detailed scope commonly discussed after a system change, property transfer, malfunction or damaging event and generally involving internal video scanning.
A targeted escalation that can include removing or opening components needed to reach a suspected concealed hazard.
A site-built chimney commonly made from brick, block or stone and containing one or more flues.
Removing deteriorated mortar to an appropriate depth and installing compatible new mortar in the joints.
The transition area above a fireplace firebox that directs combustion products toward the flue.
A ledge-like area behind the damper in many traditional fireplace designs. Geometry varies and it can collect debris.
Breaking or flaking from a masonry surface, often connected with moisture, freeze-thaw exposure, salts or incompatible materials.
A screen or termination feature intended to limit the escape of larger sparks or embers. Requirements vary by location.
A component or opening that provides a protected connection through a wall into a chimney flue.
Historically a decorative joint-finishing technique, though the word is often used commercially to mean repointing. Clarify the actual scope.
Openings intended to allow moisture drainage in certain assemblies. They should not be sealed without understanding the design.