Tape on "B" vents!!!

[gsozz]

Hello everyone,

In fridays inspection I found a variety of tape used on ducts and "B" vents as shown in the pics. The "B" vent tape is the aluminum type commonly use to seal A/C housings. As far as I know, tape of any kind should not be used on "B" vents. Is this correct? see pic 1 and 2

I also found tape used to seal the HVAC duct work. This tape was marked "Polykin 557 duct tape rated for type 1 ducts". Can any one tell me if this is approved for use on HVAC ducts?

see pic

Thanks all,

Gsozz

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[RobC]

I occasionally see foil tape on C' vent material but seldom on B' vent.

I would be more concerned about what would appear to be a reversed joint at the draft hood. That might explain the use of the foil tape.

Did you observe 3 screws EVENLY distributed at the joints?

Do you have any other photos?

I suspect the installation is amateur in nature and I would be looking very carefully for other infractions.

The second photo is unmistakebly a C' vent but I can't tell from the photo whether it is correctly joined into the B' vent connection and/or screwed.

I'm a bit concerned with this

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That detail would indicate to me that the joint may also be reversed but I might be wrong.

You don't mention this but I'm sure you picked up on the exposed foam insulation.

[gsozz]

Hi Robc,

I am still a novice inspector and don't know as much as I wish I did.

I did not check for screws at the c' to b' vent connection. By c' vent, do you mean the vent that is connected to the furnace?

When you say foam insulation are you referring to the blue foam insulation on the walls of the attic as shown behind the water heater?

If so, I am not aware of this exposure being a violation. Should this situation be different?

Thanks for the help. This is a great place to learn.

gsozz

[RobC]

Gregory,

Generally speaking the vent connector pipe is the pipe connecting the gas appliance to the flue/chimney.

It can either be

C' Vent - single wall (6" clearance)

B' Vent - double wall (1" clearance)

A qualified trades person will not use tape of any kind on the connector or flue because it's not necessary.

Here is what I check for on my inspection.

Slope

Support

Screws - 3 (not 2 or 1) EVENLY distributed around the perimeter

Clearances

Male/Female Connections

Seam placement

And lastly, (if you want to drive everybody crazy[:-crazy]) I squeeze the vent to make sure it's really C' vent material. Lately, I've noticed the boys are taking shortcuts and using regular heat pipes which is not acceptable.

A 4", 28 gauge pipe is really difficult to squeeze and you'll know the difference right away.

[gsozz]

Hi all,

This is the response from the builder to the buyer, concerning the tape on water heater flue and the heater flue proximity to the suction line insulation (The flue is touching the insulation on the suction line).

"I had my AC contractor come out again to look at the tape and clearance

issues stated in your inspectors report and he brought to my attention a

white sticker that clearly states that a zero inch clearance is required on

the furnace flu pipe. It is a double insulated pipe and therefore gives

off very little (if any heat). Feel free to take a look at the sticker if

you have any further questions. As for the tape - he said that is a heat

resistant metal tape designed for furnace connections and is only being

used as an added sealant on the joint, not to actually hold the pipes

together. That being said, I have no choice but to leave the tape on. I

respect the opinion your inspector, but unless a code violation is noted or

some type of MSDS is provided for the tape being used I am obligated to

leave the tape as is. Feel free to give me a call if you have any

questions regarding this."

I'm not sure, but something smells fishey.

Any comments would be appriciated.

Thanks,

Gsozz

[Jim Katen]

Originally posted by gsozz

. . . and he brought to my attention a

white sticker that clearly states that a zero inch clearance is required on

the furnace flu pipe. It is a double insulated pipe and therefore gives

off very little (if any heat).

Double wall = B vent. I have the installation instructions for Ameri-vent, Metalfab & DuraVent, the only three manufacturers of B-vent material that I'm aware of. They all require 1" clearnace to combustible materials and they all say so on the product.

They give off little heat when everything's working right. They get remarkably hot when things go wrong though.

Feel free to take a look at the sticker if

you have any further questions.

Well, that would get my curiousity up. I say you go out there and document the brand and model of this vent material. Take lots of pictures. I'd be particularly interested to see this sticker. If it turns out you're right & someone's trying to pull a scam, you can bill them.

As for the tape - he said that is a heat

resistant metal tape designed for furnace connections and is only being

used as an added sealant on the joint, not to actually hold the pipes

together.

I wouldn't worry about the metal tape. It's not a problem.

That being said, I have no choice but to leave the tape on. I

respect the opinion your inspector, but unless a code violation is noted or

some type of MSDS is provided for the tape being used I am obligated to

leave the tape as is. Feel free to give me a call if you have any

questions regarding this."

If you don't want to go out there, ask for a picture of the sticker and the name brand of the product.

- Jim in Oregon

[chrisprickett]

Here are Metal-Fab, Duravent, and Amerivent's installation docs, if you need the ammo.

Download Attachment: Simpson Vent.pdf

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Download Attachment: Ameri-Vent.pdf

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Download Attachment: Metal Fab B vent Install.pdf

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[gsozz]

Thanks Guys,

I am making arrangements to go back to the house in question and get the manifactures name.I will post again ASAP to let all know the outcome.

gsozz