Several variables need to be considered
to determine the proper size of a venting system. These include,
but are not limited to, air supply, connector type, BTU input
of the appliance, lateral offset and height of the vent system.
To assist you in designing a proper system, download our "Gas
Vent, Chimney Sizing & Application Guide". This guide
covers single and multiple appliance venting and proper chimney
sizing. It has a complete set of easy-to-use sizing tables,
the same tables used in the National Fuel Gas Code. Included
in the guide are common definitions, examples, tips on what
you should and should not do and many illustrations to help
you along the way.
Can you use sheet metal
screws in B-vent?
Generally, NO, Hart & Cooley does not
want sheet metal screws used in the assembly or installation
of our Type B gas vent. Screws can generate serious noise problems
that adversely affect the perceived performance and value of
our product. However, there are exceptions which include connections
of single-wall pipe to the aluminum liner only, using ¼"
screws to hold the locking bands in place for assemblies used
to line a masonry chimney, or for external, chase-enclosed B-vent
assemblies.
What causes noisy B-vent?
Often, noise in Type B gas vent is caused
by the relative movement of parts in the system with adjacent
parts, with part of the structure, or because of additions or
changes to the parts and/or system. If installed according to
Hart & Cooley’s installation instructions, the Type
B gas vent is designed to accommodate the expansion and contraction
due to heating and cooling which occurs within the system. Some
common causes of noise in a system could be: screws used in
the assembly of the gas vent system; contact with any part of
the structure; roof flashing attached to the vent pipe; any
means of support other than the listed Hart & Cooley support
assembly. Click Here for More Information
Is Hart & Cooley B-Vent
Fire Rated?
No, Hart & Cooley's Type B gas vent
does not have a fire rating. Neither do any of our competitors.
The standard for developing fire ratings is ASTM E84. The test
method provides a consistent, repeatable test method to report
flame spread and smoke development for building materials in
response to heat and flame. Results may be used as elements
of a fire risk assessment. Underwriter's Laboratories specify
the materials that we use for building our B-vent in their Standard
441 for gas vents. These materials have no ability to ignite
or to support or sustain combustion. There is no contribution
to the fuel supply. Since there is nothing that can bum, the
flame spread rating is "0". Since there is no flame,
the smoke density development rating is "0". Hart
& Cooley requires the use of our RSA support in the ceiling
above a connected appliance. This support is also a fire stop
at that location. UL specifies this to be so. We have been selling
this UL listed system and having it installed through partitions
in buildings that require fire rated assemblies since 1959 without
a problem. UL condones this application. UL has not encouraged
us to test with fire rated assemblies since the test would show
consumption and degradation of building materials surrounding
the B-vent while leaving the metal vent components in place.
Do you have Material Data
Safety Sheets (MSDS) for your products?
No, because Hart & Cooley products meet
the definition of an "article", they are not subject
to the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. Therefore, Material
Safety Data Sheets are not required. Under Section 1910.1200
(b)(5) of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard an article
is defined as any manufactured item:
(1) which is formed to a specific shape
or design during manufacture,
(2) which has end-use functions dependent
in whole or in part upon its shape or design during end-use,
and
(3) which does not release, or otherwise
result in exposure to, a hazardous chemical under normal conditions
of use.
Can I paint my Vent or
Chimney?
Yes, you can paint exposed chimney and vent
to match the color of the siding or roof singles. Follow these
simple guidelines:
For Stainless Steel Chimney: Scuff the surface
to be painted with steel wool. Clean dust, oils and fingerprints
off the surface using a household degreaser cleaner.
Option 1, prime with Rust-o-leum 7780 primer
followed by a rust-o-leum color top coat.
Option 2, prime with Sherwin-Williams DTM
wash primer followed by a compatible color coat.
For galvanized b-vent: Scuff and clean the
surface to be painted with steel wool. Clean dust, oils and
fingerprints off the surface using a household degreaser cleaner.
Option 1: Apply a latex or other water-based
color coat.
Option 2: Prime with Sherwin-Williams Galvite
prime coat followed by a compatible oil-based color coat.
