Direct vent fireplace repair for The Hammocks homes
We explain what we could see, what stayed concealed and what the vent work would involve.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
Outside and inside signs of gas vent trouble
- Termination cap bent or crushed
- Visible gap at a pipe joint
- Ceiling stain near a vertical vent
- Fire behaves oddly when fans run
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How we assess and repair gas vents
An old chimney as a gas vent route
Before a gas appliance is connected to an existing chimney, the fuel gas code requires the passageway to be examined for obstructions. It must be cleaned if it served solid or liquid fuel, lined as NFPA 211 requires and repaired or relined where it is unsafe for the new use.
If a vent route uses an existing chimney, we explain those steps and which service handles each. Cleaning a flue that served wood belongs to our chimney services, and insert liners belong to the insert service. The gas vent work is quoted once the chimney is ready for it.
Nothing fitted that slows the vent gases
The fuel gas code prohibits devices that retard the flow of vent gases in a vent, chimney or vent connector. Listed draft regulators, safety controls and certain approved devices installed to their instructions are the exceptions.
Screens added to stop pests, restrictors from another product or homemade caps can all slow the gases. If we find one, we explain what it is and why it should come out. The listed part the system needs, such as a proper termination cap, is quoted as the replacement.
Elbows added during a repair
Every elbow counts against the limits in the appliance's vent tables. A repair that adds an elbow to clear a new beam or duct can push a route that was within the tables outside them.
We count the elbows and offsets in the route before and after any change. If an added elbow would break the tables, we look for another way to route the section. Offsets and elbows used in the repair are listed on your record, so the next change starts from an accurate picture.
A vent route review before walls close
Another installer or a builder may be fitting your gas fireplace vent. If you want it checked before the walls close, we can review the route against the appliance manual, the vent instructions and the code's clearance table.
We look at the parts, the route against the vent tables, the supports, the firestops and the termination position. Findings are written up so the installer can act on them. We do not take over someone else's installation without agreement, but a review at rough-in costs far less than opening a finished wall.
What we check along a gas vent
- Termination clearances against the manual
- Blockage from nests, plants or debris
- Access opening and restoration priced separately
- Appliance faults noted for separate repair
Gas vent work, questions and answers in The Hammocks
Can you replace just the termination cap?
Yes, if the rest of the system is sound and the cap listed for your vent system is available. We confirm the vent maker and system from the labels before ordering, and check the joints nearest the cap while we are there.
Is a manual damper allowed in a gas vent?
Not in the vent connector. The fuel gas code prohibits manually operated dampers there, because a closed damper could stop the vent working. Listed automatically operated vent dampers are a different matter and follow their own instructions.
What records do I get after vent work?
A written record of the work that lists the appliance, the vent maker and system, and the route. It also covers the parts replaced, the checks made and anything that stayed concealed or outside the scope.
More Ways to Care for Your Fireplace
- Fireplace Hearth RepairRepair the hearth surface after considering the supporting assembly and fireplace requirements.
- Chimney Crown RepairRepair the damaged chimney top with an approach matched to the crown and supporting masonry.
- Gas Fireplace InstallationCreate a complete gas fireplace installation plan for the room, appliance and connected systems.
- Top-Sealing Damper InstallationFit a top-mounted damper only after checking the fireplace, product restrictions and control route.
- Wood-Burning Fireplace Insert InstallationFit a wood-burning insert after assessing its host fireplace and full connection requirements.
We received your request
Our team will contact you to arrange your inspection.
Chimney & Fireplace Brands We Work With
DuraVent 
Olympia Chimney and Venting 
Copperfield Chimney Supply 
Rutland 
Heatilator 
Heat & Glo