Join the MRA | Member Login
Find a Professional
  • Why Metal Roofing?
    • About MRA
    • Benefits of Metal Roofing
    • Compare Roofing Materials
    • Homeowner Testimonials
    • Inspiring Metal Roofing Projects
  • Homeowner Resources
    • Metal Roofing Buyers Guide
    • Resilient Housing Guide
    • Metal Roof Sustainability Guide
    • Above All Else You Need a New Roof eBook
    • MRA News
    • Member Provided Resources
    • 3rd Party Articles
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Preparing for Hurricane Season
  • Gallery
  • Visualizer
  • Ask The Experts
    • Energy Efficiency
    • Existing Metal Roof Questions
    • Installation
    • Is A Metal Roof Right For My House
    • Metal Roofing Benefits
    • Product Selection
    • Other
    • Archive
  • Find a Professional
Join the MRA Member Login
Sign Up Log In Add New Topic

TOPIC: Product Selection

Ember safe 3' or 4" bathroom vent, for metal roof? 6:12 pitch

Return to Product Selection

Return to Forum

Is there an ember safe bathroom vent made? I'm in a Class A roof Wildland Urban Interface zone, and the inspector is asking for an ember safe vent, fora new standing seam metal roof.

The best I can figure so far is using a standard dormer vent, then using solid metal pipe back to the bathroom, fire caulked.

What might pass code, and work without clogging up over time?

Bryce Nesbitt
The cheapest job, long term, is the one done right the first time.

10/18/2019
Share
Or copy this URL: https://www.metalroofing.com/spirit/comment/24539/find/

Would a dampered vent suffice?

Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

10/20/2019
Share
Or copy this URL: https://www.metalroofing.com/spirit/comment/24550/find/

The inspector, in that way of inspectors, is looking for a certification stamp of some sort.

Vulcan makes some ember safe dormer vents, but they don't naturally attach to vent pipes.

I would not consider a damper solution adequate as the only fire protection, as high winds are associated with wildland fire events. The vent would just flap open.

So, no I don't have an answer yet.

Bryce Nesbitt
The cheapest job, long term, is the one done right the first time.

10/20/2019
Share
Or copy this URL: https://www.metalroofing.com/spirit/comment/24553/find/

During wildfires, I have no doubt that winds and pressures get pretty insane. Of course, dampered vents are designed to only swing out, not in, but I am sure other things could happen.

Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

10/20/2019
Share
Or copy this URL: https://www.metalroofing.com/spirit/comment/24554/find/

Any sort of pressure difference could cause the damper to open, admitting embers.

The ember safe vents have a baffle or fine screen to exclude embers, which of course could well clog with normal dust from a bath vent.

I don't see any options at https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/divisions/fire-engineering-and-investigations/building-materials-listing/

(The official list of WUI registered products).

Who would be qualified or experienced to work out this issue?

Bryce Nesbitt
The cheapest job, long term, is the one done right the first time.

10/21/2019
Share
Or copy this URL: https://www.metalroofing.com/spirit/comment/24556/find/

I talked to all three WUI certified vent makers, none of which does bath vents:

https://www.embersout.com/ - mechanical baffle also drains wind driven rain to exterior, good for gable vents.

https://www.vulcanvents.com/ - chemical expanding compound, toxic but maybe not a big deal when house is on fire.

https://www.brandguardvents.com/

Bryce Nesbitt
The cheapest job, long term, is the one done right the first time.

10/25/2019
Share
Or copy this URL: https://www.metalroofing.com/spirit/comment/24585/find/

If you would like to reply to this thread, please log in. If you do not have an Ask the Experts forum user account, create one here.

  • About the MRA
    • Member Companies
    • Leadership
    • MRA News
  • For Professionals
    • Join the MRA
    • Industry Resources
    • Upcoming Events
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
©2023 Metal Roofing Alliance. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions