Burning Down the house. Direct Vent Gas fireplaces.     East Wenatchee  Home Inspections

“My house's out of the ordinary, That's might don't want to hurt nobody

Sometimes during a home inspection you find something that you go “How long before this catches fire?”

On a recent home inspection I found the direct vent from a gas fireplace had begun charring the roof overhang from the vent. Often in areas where I do home inspections snow and ice can be an issue so protecting protrusion from the home is often desired. But in this case you need to ensure you have proper clearance to combustibles.

Most gas stove installations requires a minimum of 12 inches (some require 18 inches) to unvented soffits or other like areas such as under decks, verandas or porches.

It is very important to understand that often these appliances are rarely used so even if there is no evidence like in this situation that these clearance need to be verified.

We do not want our clients humming to the tune of “Burning Down the House”.