I recently installed a direct vent gas fireplace and have it venting out a sidewall. the vent is about 12″ below the eve that extends out 18″. it is not vented soffit. I installed the fireplace in the fall and a couple of weeks ago a noticed water on the floor in side the house. this was a warm day and some melting was occuring. after inspecting I thought I might have some ice dam buildups. This area of the house is a first floor kickout of about two feet. so its a single story roof area of about 22’x5′. the rest of the house is two story. so I removed the soffit and gutter to let it air out. After thinking about this water issue more I fear I have water vapor condensing inside that small roof area from my fireplace vent. I am looking for some suggestions on how to remedy this. I know I could extend the vent out and over the roof, but that would be unsightly and my wife would not be happy. so I thought about about insulating and sealing the eve to keep the water vapor out. Any help would be appreciated.
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Greetings cvanb,
As a first time poster Welcome to Breaktime.
This post, in response to your question, will bump the thread through the 'recent discussion' listing again which will increase it's viewing.
Perhaps it will catch someone's attention that can help you with advice.
Cheers
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Name and model of this unit?
What do the installation instructions say about venting that close to roof eave?
Are you ABSOLUTELY sure the ducting thru the wall is sealed tight
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What did you see when you opened it up?
The direct vent pipe is only a short run and with the overhang doesnt sound like there is a high liklihood of condensation enough to cause a puddle.
Is the roof snow covered?
Certainly the exhaust could cause some heatup and then cold could ice dam and cause something to push back thru.
Check manufacturers info on venting under a soffit. They all have clear guidelines for what you can and can not do.
Dont overthink it. Figure out where the water leads to to the best of your ability and look for the obvious first (ice damming, damaged roof from limbs, sidewall flashing with snow up against it, etc. I've seen water leak at a facia travel 10 feet into the house along a joist before it showed up on the ceiling below and everyone was looking for a plumbing leak.
Is it possible to post some pictures of your vent and eaves?