Simpson DV-GS Instructions For Use And Safety

1

APPLICATION

These instructions apply to the Simpson Dura-Vent Direct Vent System, Model
DV-GS. This venting system, in combination with the gas appliance, has been tested
and listed as a decorative gas appliance system, or as a direct vent heater system
by a major testing agency such as UL, AGA, CGA, Omni or Warnock Hersey.
Check the manufacturer's rating plate and instruction manual to confirm that the
Simpson Dura-Vent direct vent system is approved for use on the brand name
appliance you have selected.

IMPORTANT

Read all instructions carefully before starting the installation. Failure to follow these
instructions may create a fire or other safety hazard, and will void the warranty. Be
sure to check the appliance manufacturer's installation instructions for specific
venting and clearance to combustible requirements, which may vary from one
appliance to another. Do not extend the venting system vertically or

horizontally in excess of the distance prescribed in the appliance
manufacturer's installation instructions.

INSTALLATION PRECAUTIONS

The Simpson Dura-Vent Direct Vent System is an engineered product that has been
designed and tested for use with an approved list of direct vent fireplaces. The
Simpson Dura-Vent warranty will be voided, and serious fire, health, or other safety
hazards may result from any of the following actions:

• Installation of any damaged Direct Vent component.

• Unauthorized modification of the Direct Vent System

• Installation of any component part not manufactured or approved by
Simpson Dura-Vent.

• Installation other than as instructed by Simpson Dura-Vent and the
appliance manufacturer.

VENTING INSTRUCTIONS

FOR DIRECT VENT

FIREPLACES

1

2

Consult your local building codes before beginning the installation.

WARNING

• Always maintain required clearances (air spaces) to nearby

combustibles to prevent a fire hazard. Do not fill air spaces with insulation.

Be sure to check the appliance manufacturers's installation instructions for minimum
clearance requirements between the outer walls of
the vent pipe and nearby combustible surfaces. Be sure to check the vent
termination clearance requirements from decks, windows, soffits, gas regulators,
air supply inlets, and public walkways, as specified in these installation
instructions and local building codes.

• The fireplace and vent system must be vented directly to the

outside of the building. Each direct vent fireplace must use it's own separate vent
system. Common vent systems are prohibited.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR THE INSTALLER

• Wear gloves and safety glasses for protection.

• Exercise extreme caution when using ladders or on roof tops.

• Be aware of electrical wiring locations in walls and ceilings.

PARTS LIST

The Simpson Dura-Vent Direct Vent System offers a complete line of component
parts for installation of both horizontal and vertical installations. The galvanized pipe
and fittings are used for concealed locations such as attics, or spaces where
corrosion is a factor, such as above the roofline. Snorkel terminations are available
for applications which may require vertical rise on the building exterior.

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PARTS LIST

Number Description

7" x 4" 8" x 5"

11008 1208 6" Pipe Length
11007 1207 9" Pipe Length
11006 1206 12" Pipe Length
11004 1204 24" Pipe Length
11003 1203 36" Pipe Length
11002 1202 48" Pipe Length
11017 1217 17" to 24" Pipe, Adjustable
11045 1245 45° Elbow
11090 1290 90° Elbow
11043 1243 Flashing, 0/12 to 6/12 Roof Pitch
11044 1243S Flashing, 7/12 to 12/12 Roof Pitch
11053 1253 Storm Collar
11063 1263 Ceiling Firestop
11042 1242 Wall Firestop
11088 1288 Wall Strap
11081 1281 Snorkel Termination (36")
11082 1282 Snorkel Termination (14")
11084 1284 Horiz. Square Termination
11030 1230 Horiz. Round Termination
11080 1280 Vertical Termination
11091 1291 Vert. Termination, High Wind
11050 1250 Vinyl Siding Standoff

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FIGURE 3

45° ELBOW

PIPE
SECTION

PIPE
SECTION

CEILING
FIRESTOP

FIGURE 1

ROUND
HORIZONTAL
TERMINATION

SQUARE HORIZONTAL

TERMINATION

45° ELBOW

PIPE SECTION

WALL
FIRESTOPS

WALL FIRESTOP

WALL

FIRESTOP

45° ELBOW

PIPE
SECTION

90° ELBOW

WALL
FIRESTOPS

ROUND
HORIZONTAL
TERMINATION

FIGURE 2

SQUARE

HORIZONTAL

TERMINATION

STORM
COLLAR

VERTICAL
TERMINA­TION

FLASHING

PIPE
SECTION

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PLANNING YOUR INSTALLATION

There are two basic types of Direct Vent System installations. Check the appliance
manufacturer's installation instructions to confirm what types are permitted, and also
check for any venting restrictions such as maximum horizontal run, and maximum
vertical rise. The two types of installations are:

• Horizontal Termination (Fig 1 and Fig 2)

• Vertical Termination (Fig 3)

When planning your installation, it will be necessary to select the proper length of
vent pipe for your particular requirements. For horizontal installations, check the
appliance manufacturers's installations instructions to determine the minimum
clearance from the rear of the appliance to the wall. It is also important to note the
wall thickness. Select the amount of vertical rise desired for "vertical-to-horizontal"
type installations. To determine the length of vent pipe required for vertical
installations, measure the distance from the appliance flue outlet to the ceiling, the
ceiling thickness, the vertical rise in an attic or second story, and allow for sufficient
vent height above the roofline. For two-story applications, firestops are required
at each floor level. If an offset is needed in the attic, additional pipe and elbows will
be required.

HORIZONTAL INSTALLATION

Step 1. Set the fireplace in it's desired location. Check to determine if wall

studs or roof rafters are in the way when the venting system is attached. If this is
the case, you may want to adjust the location of the appliance.

Step 2. Direct Vent pipe and fittings are designed with special twist-lock

connections. To connect the venting system to the appliance flue outlet, a twist-lock
appliance adaptor is required. With some brands of appliances, the Simpson Dura­Vent adaptor will be built into the appliance at the factory. With other brands, it
will be supplied by the appliance manufacturer, for installation in the field. Assemble
the desired combination of pipe and elbows to the appliance adaptor with pipe
seams oriented towards the wall or floor, as much out of view as possible. If the
appliance adaptor is not built into the appliance at the factory, it may be preferable
to assemble the pipe and elbows to the adaptor prior to mounting the adaptor onto
the fireplace. In this manner, the pipe and 45° elbow assembly may be properly

6

twist-locked and rotated to face the wall termination, with final positioning of the
vent pipe assembly determined by the mounting orientation of the appliance adaptor
onto the fireplace. Figure 4 shows some of the possible vent pathway options.
Consult the appliance manufacturer for any restrictions.

Notes:

(1) Twist-lock procedure: Four indentations, located on the female ends
of pipes and fittings, are designed to slide straight onto the male ends of adjacent
pipes and fittings, by orienting
the four pipe indentations so they
match and slide into the four
entry slots on the male ends. (Fig

5). Push the pipe sections com­pletely together, then twist-lock
one section clockwise approxi­mately one-quarter turn, until the
two sections are fully locked.

SEALANT
(OPTIONAL
UNLESS
REQUIRED BY
APPLIANCE
MANUFACTURER)

FEMALE LOCKING
LUGS

MALE
LOCKING
LUGS

Fig 5

Fig 4

(2) Horizontal runs of
vent must be supported every
three feet. Wall Straps are

USE EITHER
SQUARE
HORIZONTAL OR
ROUND
HORIZONTAL
TERMINATION
CAPS

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available for this purpose.

(3) Sealant is optional, unless
specified by the appliance
manufacturer. Should you elect to use
sealant, it is only necessary on the outer
tube of the GS Pipe. Run a 1/8-inch
wide bead of sealant around the male
end of the outer sleeve, as shown in

Figure 5, and twist-lock the pipes or

fittings together.

Step 3. With the adaptor and
pipe attached to the fireplace, slide the
fireplace into it's correct location, and
mark the wall for a square hole of the
appropriate size. Use a 10"x10" square
hole for 7" x 4" pipe and use an 11"x11"
square hole for 8" x 5" pipe. The center
of the square hole should line up with

the centerline of the horizontal pipe, as shown in Figure 6. Cut and frame the square
hole in the exterior wall where the vent will be terminated. If the wall being
penetrated is constructed of noncombustible material, i.e. masonry block or
concrete, a hole with zero clearance to the pipe is acceptable.

Notes:

(1) The horizontal run of vent must be level, or have a 1/4-inch rise for every
1 foot of run towards the termination. Never allow the vent to run downward. This
could cause high temperatures and may present the possibility of a fire.

(2) The location of the horizontal vent termination on an exterior wall must
meet all local and national building codes, and must not be easily blocked or
obstructed. Termination clearances are as follows:

(a) Clearance above the ground, veranda, porch, deck or balcony -12

inches minimum.

(b) Clearance to a window or door that may be opened -9 inches

minimum.

(c) Vertical clearance to a ventilated soffit located above the
termination with a horizontal distance of 2 feet from the
centerline of the termination -18 inches minimum.
(d) Clearance to an unventilated soffit - 12 inches minimum.

CENTER
OF HOLE

Fig 6

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(e) Clearance to an

outside corner -as tested.

(f) Clearance to an inside

corner -as tested.

(g) Not to be installed
above a meter/regulator
assembly within 3 feet
horizontally from the
centerline of the regulator.

(h) Clearance to a service
regulator vent outlet -6 feet

minimum.

(i) Clearance to non­mechanical air supply inlet
to a building or the
combustion air inlet to any
other appliance -12 inches

minimum.

(j) Clearance to a
mechanical air supply inlet -

6 feet minimum.

(k) Clearance above a

paved sidewalk or paved
driveway located on public
property -refer to local code.

(l) Clearance under a

veranda, porch, deck or
balcony -12 inches

minimum.

For installations requiring a

vertical rise on the exterior
of the building, 14-inch and 36-inch tall Snorkel Terminations, as shown in Figure
7 are available. Follow the same installation procedures as used for standard
Square Horizontal Terminations. If the Snorkel Termination must be installed
below grade, (i. e. basement application), proper drainage must be provided to
prevent water from entering the Snorkel Termination. Refer to Figure 8. Do not
attempt to enclose the Snorkel within the wall, or any other type of enclosure.

12 INCHES
MINIMUM

SNORKEL

SNORKLE

12 INCHES
MINIMUM

ADEQUATE
DRAINAGE

Fig 8

Fig 7

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Step 4. For a Square Horizontal Vent

Termination, place the vent cap in the center of
the square hole and attach to the exterior wall
with the four wood screws provided. Before
attaching the Vent Termination to the exterior
wall, run a bead of non-hardening sealant around
it's outside edges, so as to make a seal between
it and the wall. If you are using a Round
Horizontal Vent Termination, place an exterior
Wall Firestop over the square hole. Run a bead
of non-hardening sealant around the edges of
the Wall Firestop, and attach the Wall Firestop
to the wall with the four wood screws provided.
The arrow on the vent cap should be pointing
up. Insure that proper clearances to combustible

materials are maintained. (Fig 9)

Notes:

(1) The four wood screws provided
should be replaced with appropriate fasteners for stucco, brick, concrete, or other
types of sidings.

(2) For buildings
with vinyl siding, a Vinyl
Siding Standoff, should
be installed between the
vent cap and the wall.
(Fig 10) Attach the Vi­nyl Siding Standoff to the
Horizontal Vent Termi­nation. The Vinyl Siding
Standoff prevents exces­sive heat from possibly
melting the vinyl siding
material. Note that the
Square Horizontal Vent
Termination bolts onto
the flat portion of the Vi­nyl Siding Standoff,

Fig 9

WOOD
SCREWS

WOOD
SCREWS

Fig 10

BOLT

(4) REQ

CUT VINYL SIDING AWAY
TO FIT STANDOFF

NUT

(4) REQ

VINYL
SIDING
STANDOFF

ROUND
TERMINA­TION CAP

WOOD SCREW
(4) REQ

10

(shaded area shown in Figure 10), so that an
air space will exist between the wall and the
Vent Termination. The Round Horizontal
Vent Termination does not need an exterior
Wall Firestop when using a Vinyl Siding Stand­off. Simply slide the round termination through
the Vinyl Siding Standoff in order to connect
to the vent piping. Be sure that all of the vent
cap mesh is to the exterior of the wall.

Step 5. Before connecting the horizontal

run of vent pipe to the vent termination, slide the Wall Firestop over the vent pipe
on the interior side of the wall.

Step 6. Slide the appliance and vent assembly towards the wall, carefully
inserting the vent pipe into the vent cap assembly. It is important that the vent pipe
extend into the vent cap sufficient distance so as to result in a minimum pipe overlap
of 1-1/4 inches. Secure the connection between the vent pipe and the vent cap.
For square caps, attach the two sheet metal strips extending from the vent cap
assembly into the outer wall of the vent pipe. Use the two sheet metal screws
provided to connect the sheet metal strips to the pipe section. For round caps, use
three sheet metal screws and attach cap to pipe section. (Fig 11)

Step 7. Slide the Wall Firestop up to the wall surface and attach with
screws provided. (Fig 12)

Fig 11

STRAP

WOOD
SCREWS

Fig 12

SQUARE TERMINATION

ROUND TERMINATION

WALL
FIRESTOP

SHEET
METAL
SCREW

WALL

FIRESTOP

WALL FIRESTOP

SHEET
METAL
SCREW

FOLD

STRAP

HERE

1-1/4 "

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VERTICAL

TERMINATION

Step 1. Check the appliance

manufacturers's installation instruc­tions for required clearances (air
spaces) to combustibles when
passing through ceilings, walls,
roofs, enclosures, attic rafters, or
other nearby combustible surfaces.
Do not pack air spaces with insu­lation. Check the appliance
manufacturer's instructions for
maximum vertical rise of the vent­ing system, and any maximum hori­zontal offset limitations. (Fig 13)

Step 2. Set the fireplace in it's

desired location. Drop a plum bob
down from the ceiling to the position
of the appliance flue exit, and mark

the location where the vent will
penetrate the ceiling. Drill a
small hole at this point. Next,
drop a plumb bob from the roof
to the hole previously drilled in
the ceiling, and mark the spot
where the vent will penetrate
the roof. Determine if ceiling
joists, roof rafters, or other
framing will obstruct the venting
system. You may wish to
relocate the appliance, or to
offset, to avoid cutting load­bearing members.

Step 3. To install the

Ceiling Firestop in a flat ceiling,

CEILING
JOISTS

Fig 13

CEILING
FIRESTOP

Fig 14

FRAMING

OPTIONAL
HIGH-WIND
TERMINATION
CAP

CLEARANCES
AS DEFINED
BY APPLIANCE
MFG

1-1/2 INCH LONG
WOOD SCREWS

CLEARANCES
AS DEFINED
BY APPLIANCE
MFG

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cut a square hole in the ceiling,
(10"x10" square for 7" x 4" pipe,
11"x11" square for 8" x 5" pipe)
centered on the hole drilled in Step 2.
Frame the hole as shown in Fig 14.

Step 4. If the Twist-lock adaptor

has not been installed on the fireplace
by the manufacturer, install it now in
accordance with the fireplace
instruction manual.

Step 5. Assemble the desired

lengths of Galvanized Pipe and
Elbows necessary to reach from the
Appliance Adaptor up through the
Ceiling Firestop. Insure that all Pipe
and Elbow connections are in their
fully twist-locked position.

Step 6. Cut a hole in the

roof centered on the small drill hole
placed in the roof in Step 2. The
hole should be of sufficient size to
meet the minimum requirements for
clearance to combustibles, as
specified by the appliance
manufacturer. Continue to assemble
lengths of Pipe and Elbows
necessary to reach from the Ceiling
Firestop up through the roof line.

DIMENSION "H"
OBTAINED
FROM TABLE 1

H

Fig 16

TABLE 1

ROOF PITCH MINIMUM HEIGHT

FEET METERS

FLAT TO 7/12 1 0.3
OVER 7/12 TO 8/ 1 2 1.5 0.46
OVER 8/12 TO 9/ 1 2 2 0.61
OVER 9/12 TO 10/12 2.5 0.76
OVER 10/12 TO 11/12 3.25 0.99
OVER 11/12 TO 12/12 4 1.22
OVER 12/12 TO 14/12 5 1.52
OVER 14/12 TO 16/12 6 1.83
OVER 16/12 TO 18/12 7 2.13
OVER 18/12 TO 20/12 7.5 2.29
OVER 20/12 TO 21/12 8 2.44

Fig 15

CLEARANCES
AS DEFINED
BY APPLIANCE
MFG

45°
ELBOW

WALL STRAP

PLUMBER'S TAPE
CONNECTED TO
WALL STRAP

CLEARANCES
AS DEFINED
BY APPLIANCE
MFG

45°
ELBOW

OPTIONAL
HIGH-WIND
TERMINATION
CAP

13

Fig 17

VERTICAL
TERMINATION

FLASHING

SECURE FLASHING WITH

NON-HARDENING

SEALANT AND ROOFING

NAILS

OPTIONAL
HIGH-WIND
TERMINATION
CAP

STORM
COLLAR

Notes:

(1) If an offset is necessary in the attic to avoid obstructions, it is important
to support the vent pipe every 3 feet, to avoid excessive stress on the Elbows, and
possible separation. Wall Straps are available for this purpose. (Fig 15)

(2) Whenever possible, use 45° Elbows, instead of 90° Elbows. The 45°
Elbow offers less restriction to the flow of flue gases and intake air.

Step 7. Slip the flashing over the Pipe Section(s) protruding through the
roof. Use a non-hardening sealant between the Flashing and the roof to prevent
water leakage. Secure the base of the Flashing to the roof with roofing nails. Insure
the roofing material overlaps the top edge of the Flashing as shown in Fig 17. Verify
that you have at least the minimum clearance to combustibles at the roofline.

Step 8. Continue to add Pipe Sections until the height of the Vent Cap
meets the minimum building code requirements described in Fig 16. Note that for
steep roof pitches, the vent height must be increased. In high wind conditions,
nearby trees, adjoining rooflines, steep pitched roofs, and other similar factors can
result in poor draft, or down-drafting. In these cases, increasing the vent height may

14

Fig 18

NAILS

CEILING
FIRESTOP

CLEARANCES
AS DEFINED
BY APPLIANCE
MFG

CLEARANCES
AS DEFINED
BY APPLIANCE
MFG

CLEARANCES
AS DEFINED
BY APPLIANCE
MFG

CLEARANCES
AS DEFINED
BY APPLIANCE
MFG

solve this problem.

Step 9. Slip the Storm

Collar over the Pipe, and push
it down to the top of the
Flashing, as shown in Fig 17.
Use the non-hardening sealant
above and below the joint
between the Storm Collar and
the Pipe.

Step 10. Twist lock the

Vent Cap.

Notes:

(1) For multi-story
vertical installations, a Ceiling
Firestop is required at any
subsequent floors. (Fig 18)
The opening should be cut and
framed in the same manner as
the opening in Step 3. (See Fig

14)

(2) Any occupied areas
above the first floor, including
closets and storage spaces,
which the vertical vent passes
through, must be enclosed.

The enclosure may be framed and sheetrocked with standard construction
materials, however consult the appliance manufacturer's installation instructions
for the minimum allowable clearance between the outside of the vent pipe, and
the combustible surfaces of the enclosure. Do not fill any of the required air
spaces with insulation.

GENERAL

MAINTENANCE

Conduct an inspection of the venting system semi-annually.

Recommended areas to inspect are as follows:

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1. Check areas of the Venting System which are exposed to the elements
for corrosion. These will appear as rust spots or streaks, and in extreme cases,
holes. These components should immediately be replaced.

2. Remove the Cap, and shine a flashlight down the vent. Remove any
bird nests, or other foreign material.

3. Check for evidences of excessive condensate, such as water droplets
forming in the inner liner, and subsequently dripping out at joints. Continuous
condensate can cause corrosion of caps, pipe, and fittings. It may be caused by
having excessive lateral runs, too many elbows, and exterior portions of the
system being exposed to cold weather.

4. Inspect joints, to verify that no Pipe Sections or Fittings have been
disturbed, and consequently loosened. Also check mechanical supports such
as Wall Straps, or plumbers' tape for rigidity.

LABELS

All components are labelled with the appropriate identification information,
and the listing data.

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Other products made by Simpson Dura-Vent:

Dura/Plus Chimney

Dura-Vent Gas Vent (B-Vent)

Dura-Black Single W all Stovepipe

Dura/Liner Masonry Reliner

DVL Close Clearance Connector Pipe

Dura/Connect Single-Wall Connector for B-Vent

DuraFlex Masonry Reliner for Gas Appliances

Designer Series Accessories

SIMPSON
DURA-VENT, INC

PO Box 1510
Vacaville, CA
95688-1510

Vicksburg, MS

(800)-835-4429
(707)-446-4740 (FAX)

May1996
L951