Installing a hanging natural gas heater, HELP!!!

[BrokeEF]

OK we have never done something like this before, so keep that in mind. We are installing a 75,000 BTU heater (may be larger, I will verify) in my buddies garage. We are OK with the actual hanging of the unit, and the gas piping, where we fall apart is on the venting. I actually work for a burner manufacturer, but at my work we don't get into venting at all. SO with that, school me on venting!

Should we go though the side wall, or though the roof?
Should we use single wall or double wall stack?

Lets start with those two basic questions, and I will pile them on as we go Like I said we have never done think kind of work (siding, or roofing), but we need heat! At least we have the mechanical and electric parts down no problem!


Thanks in advance,
Sean

 

[dipper]

manufacturer of heater is going to spec the venting requirements. Usually can do either thru wall or thru roof, just depends on location and access. Local codes will also dictate as well. Most likely going to need double wall b-vent.

 

[Bronson]

Is it a new unit?
If so, follow the explicit instructions packaged with the unit.
I know, as Men, We don't want to READ THE DIRECTIONS.
If not, pics will help the Forum Members guide Your efforts.

 

[BrokeEF]

Yes it is a brand new unit. This is for a buddy of mine, so he has the instructions, and has read through them at least partly. Which is better though wall or roof? I can tell you both will **** to do when it was -7 this morning without the wind!

Sean

 

[Bronson]

Yes it is a brand new unit. This is for a buddy of mine, so he has the instructions, and has read through them at least partly. Which is better though wall or roof? I can tell you both will **** to do when it was -7 this morning without the wind!

Sean

Well, that depends on the type of structure You are installing it in.
Read the instructions ALL THE WAY THROUGH. You time will be spent better that way than asking questions here. The Mfg will tell You everything You need to know, that is why they printed it out with diagrams, charts and specs. Not trying to be a smart aleck, but You have the directions at Your fingertips.

 

[BrokeEF]

I understand, but as I already said I dont have the instructions in front of me. I am trying to get a head start on it before we are standing there staring at it. I do know there were instructions for venting either way (wall or roof) so I am still asking, in general which is easier?

Sean

 

[Bronson]

I understand, but as I already said I dont have the instructions in front of me. I am trying to get a head start on it before we are standing there staring at it. I do know there were instructions for venting either way (wall or roof) so I am still asking, in general which is easier?

Sean

It depends on the structure. Is it a steel building? Usually easier to go through the roof on a steel building. We need more info.
My unit heater is in a 30 x 40 steel building, and I went right up through the roof with it. If You have to go through sheetrock, then wooden deck and shingles, it requires different procedure. Give Us more info and someone here will point You in the right direction. Now, I gotta go cut a hole in My concrete slab. I will trade jobs with You!

 

[dipper]

download the instructions at www.mrheater.com for the 75kbtu big maxx and start reading.
They'll be similar to the unit you have, but you'll at least get an idea.

Did he buy a venting kit? they are normally kitted up as either vertical OR horizontal since they each require different pieces for the wall or roof penetrations.

 

[BrokeEF]

Ah sorry, I forgot that bit of info! It is an attached garage, wood frame and finished in drywall. So through the side you have sheet rock, insulation (hopefully), plywood, siding (whatever is under the siding). Through the roof you have sheet rock, open space (he is going to blow in insulation sooner or later), plywood, asphalt shingles (whatever is under shingles). The house is from about 2007 if that is any indication to materials usage for the construction. He has not bought any kind of venting stuff yet, just got the heater as a gift. We want to at least get it hung, wired, and piped this weekend. IF we can get it all vented then great, if not we will get to it soon. Keep in mind we have had single digit temps all week out here. I am worried about everything outside being brittle, or is that really the case?


Thanks,
Sean

 

[HoosierBuddy]

download the instructions at www.mrheater.com for the 75kbtu big maxx and start reading.
They'll be similar to the unit you have, but you'll at least get an idea.

Did he buy a venting kit? they are normally kitted up as either vertical OR horizontal since they each require different pieces for the wall or roof penetrations.

If your friend would tell you the manufacturer and model number, you could likely download the directions for that particular model. Virtually all of them are online in anymore.

BTW...all things being equal, I'd rather see a vent through the roof. No offense to anyone, but B-vents through the wall always look...I don't know how to say this...Hillbilly? Is "Hillbilly" PC? If not...I apologize.

Phil

 

[Bojans]

Do some reading on b-vent and how it needs to pass through various materials, need to make sure you use the right grommets to space the venting from wood and insulation...

 

[rodm1]

If your friend would tell you the manufacturer and model number, you could likely download the directions for that particular model. Virtually all of them are online in anymore.

BTW...all things being equal, I'd rather see a vent through the roof. No offense to anyone, but B-vents through the wall always look...I don't know how to say this...Hillbilly? Is "Hillbilly" PC? If not...I apologize.

Phil

Hillbilly or not you can't have a roof leak do to your heater vent.

 

[Gump]

Hillbilly or not you can't have a roof leak do to your heater vent.

I agree. I had a 75k btu Reznor given to me back in the summer. I dont like any penetrations in the roof so I ran a "hillbilly" b vent through the wall. Only downside is I had to hang the unit a little lower than I wanted to due to clearance issues with the top plate of the wall.

 

[Bronson]

Hillbilly or not you can't have a roof leak do to your heater vent.

A properly installed roof vent will not leak.
At least, mine doesn't.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

^^^^^^^that.

 

[BD1]

Bronson said it right all the time. If you go through side wall, what's that gonna look like to you, neighbors ? Are their any other devices vented or intakes around ? Windows or door nearby ?
Many just run double wall for the entire length , some only require double wall where it passes through roof or wall. Some manufactures allow a horizontal run to the outside with a cap horizontally, others want a elbow turned up with a cap. Regardless, READ ENTIRE MANUAL for install. Your insurance carrier will be happy.

 

[CNGsaves]

+1 for READ THE MANUAL, READ THE MANUAL, READ THE MANUAL !!

Deciding the location of heater really depends on how and where the venting will go. Thus, MOST IMPORTANT to get this right.

Check with local HVAC company if your city has any more restrictive installation requirements.

Here is example of installing vertical flue by Ron Hazelton in his home fixup show:
http://www.ronhazelton.com/projects/how_to_install_a_gas_heater_for_a_garage

 

[dave67fd]

Vertical venting is allways prefered to horizontal venting. Horizontal venting should only be considered were vertical venting isin't possible or impracticable. Does the heater have a conbustion blower? Is the heater new? If so and if you vent horizontally, It's most likely classified as a cat III heater so you need to use cat III vent pipe to be legal.

OK we have never done something like this before, so keep that in mind.

Are you installing without a permit? What do your town codes depict?
If so, your buddy may be liable for any losses incurred if a bad failure occurs. You can also be liable if you sell your residence (with the heater) and the new homeowner has any incurred losses.

 

[e-tek]

Sometimes you get more questions than answers here - that's becuase these guys know EnOugH to ask the right questions!

But based on the info furnished thus far, sounds exactly as mine was, so mount the unit to the ceiling (with a couple 2x4's diagonal across rafters), then run your pipe out and away, then straight up through the roof. The kit I used came with the drops, flashing, double-walled chimney pipe and top cap. Took about 2 hours IIRC.

 

[kenfath]

Do a search for "B vent". Several (probably all) of the makers have their installation instructions and product catalog online. They contain a wealth of information about how to use the products, and plan the installation.

A properly installed roof vent will not leak. IMO roof venting is preferred. I have a cement tile roof and admit to knowing very little about it. It was money well spent to have a pro install flashing the larger vent. He had it done in about ten minutes.

IF you haven't already done so, obtain the make and model number of the heater and look up the online instruction manual. Read it completely.

 

[rodm1]

B-Vent isn't cut able but Z-Vent is sow if you have to make a cut you will have to use Z-Vent.

I'm lucky I have a blistering 20° in my garage.