Side Wall Direct Vents:
Direct-venting or side wall vent chimney and flue systems are a
method of venting the exhaust gases from a heating appliance directly out through the side wall of a building while eliminating the need for a vertical chimney of any sort.
Direct Venting uses a power ventilating blower or fan to cool outgoing gases passing through the building wall (sidewall direct exhaust) or roof or through an existing unused chimney through which a vent pipe is passed .
Blocked Snowfall Hazard
High efficiency furnaces, water heaters and other energy-saving appliances may have exhaust vents that exit your building through an exterior wall rather than through a chimney. These vents can become blocked in the winter months by snow and ice, which can affect the safe operation of the appliance.
In geographical areas with considerable snowfall, it is advisable to locate the vent terminal much higher than the minimum 12-inches above ground to prevent blockage by snow accumulation or drifting.
For at least some heating appliances and manufacturers, and to solve vent clearance difficulties when your installation cannot meet the specifications in the Gas Code, manufacturers’ specifications, or local building codes, roof vent termination kits are available.
Protecting A Side Wall Vent From Snow Build Up
In order to keep snow away from sidewall exhaust vents fall I made a simple A-Frame to protect and deflect the snow from this low sidewall vent.
Click here to see how easy it is to make.























