AMERICAN METAL AMERIVENT HS Guide

1
AMERIVENT
®
Model HS/HSS Factory-Built Chimney
Installation
& Assembly
Instructions
A MAJOR CAUSE OF CHIMNEY-RELATED FIRES IS FAILURE
TO MAINTAIN REQUIRED CLEARANCES (AIRSPACES) TO
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS. IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE
THAT THIS CHIMNEY BE INSTALLED ONLY IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
This symbol on the product
means the product is listed by
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
These are the three
ways to install
AmeriVent
Model HS/HSS
all-fuel chimney.
Do not install chimney without first reading these
instructions very carefully.
• AmeriVent Model HS/HSS all-fuel chimney systems meet
the requirements of UL Standard #103 HT when installed in
accordance with our installation instructions. AmeriVent
Model HS/HSS all-fuel chimneys are designed to be
installed as complete systems, including supports, pipe
sections, caps, firestops, attic insulation shields, etc.
• The AmeriVent Model HS/HSS all-fuel chimney construction
consists of three walls of metal, using air and woven ceramic
fiber blanket insulation. The inner and intermediate walls are
stainless steel, and the outer wall is galvanized steel. This
chimney is listed (UL 103 TYPE HT) for venting flue gases
not exceeding 1000°F under continuous operating
conditions. In addition, UL has conducted additional tests at
1400°F for one hour and 2100°F for 10 minutes to verify
compliance with UL test standards. The Model HS/HSS all-
fuel chimney is approved, accepted, or listed by UL, NFPA,
IMC and UMC.
• The AmeriVent Model HS/HSS all-fuel chimney is suitable
for use on the following types of wood, coal and oil
appliances.
Residential Appliances
Ranges, warm-air furnaces, water heaters, hot-water
heating boilers, 15 psi or less steam boilers, floor furnaces,
wall furnaces, room heaters, and fireplace stoves.
Building Heating Appliances
Nonresidential building heating appliances, steam boilers
operating at not over 1000°F flue gas temperature.
• The Model HS/HSS Chimney may also be used where type
B gas vents are permitted, but should not be used for
forced- draft or induced-draft appliances that have a
positive pressure in the vent.
• Installing or using our chimney or parts of our chimney in
ways other than those specified in our instructions might be
hazardous; therefore, the chimney must be installed exactly
as shown in these instructions.
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A. STANDARD FLAT CEILING INSTALLATION
1. Ceiling Support Assembly
Cat. No. 6, 8 HS-CSA
The ceiling support is designed to be installed in a
square boxed-in area between standard (16 in. on
centers) joists. See Figure 1 for boxed-in dimensions.
From above, lower the support (see Figure 2) through
boxed opening. Turn support and pull it up into position
until trim flange is flush and level with ceiling. Drive 8d
nails into joists through all sixteen (16) prepunched holes.
Install the black single-wall adapter, furnished with the
ceiling support, by pushing the end without the flange down
through the opening in the bottom of the support until the
flange rests snugly in the support (see Figure 2).
NOTE: To conceal larger rough-cut openings, the
optional Ceiling Support Face Plate may be
installed (see Figure 2).
2. Chimney Pipe Section
Cat. No. 6, 8 HS/HSS-6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48
Place the first chimney section in the support with the
embossed arrow on the chimney pointing up
(see Figure 4). Make sure that the pipe section is
seated securely with the inner liner down into the
single-wall adapter shown in Figure 2. Assemble
second section with arrow pointing up. Apply pressure
downward until the locking teeth snap-lock into place on
the section below. As each section is connected, make
sure the inner wall is mated together properly with the
section below (see Figure 3) and that all snap-lock
teeth are securely locked together.
NOTE: Chimney height not to exceed 90 feet.
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AmeriVent Model HS/HSS All-Fuel Chimney
Installation Instructions
• Use single-wall or other approved connecting pipe between the
appliance and the chimney as recommended by appliance
installation instructions. Do not connect chimney pipe
sections directly to appliances, unless the appliance is
specifically listed for direct connection to AmeriVent Model
HS all-fuel chimney. Consult the appliance manufacturer’s
installation instructions for their specific chimney installation
requirements. AmeriVent Model HS all-fuel chimneys may be
connected directly to a masonry fireplace by using an AmeriVent
anchor plate instead of a standard support.
•IMPROPER INSTALLATION OR FAILURE TO INSTALL AS A
COMPLETE SYSTEM VIOLATIVE OF OUR INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.
• Consult the appliance manufacturer’s installation instructions for
their specific chimney installation requirements. Chimney size
should be at least as large as the flue outlet of the appliance, or
that recommended by the manufacturer.
•IMPORTANT! DO NOT put any type of insulation in the
required 2-inch minimum airspace clearance to combustibles
surrounding the chimney. This requirement especially applies
to cellulose insulation, which, in many cases, is merely treated
shredded newspaper.
• A chimney enclosure must provide a minimum of 2 inches of
airspace clearance from combustibles, including building
insulation, roofing material and electrical wiring. This enclosure
also protects the chimney from being damaged.
• Except for installation in one- and two-family dwellings, factory-
built chimney that extends through any zone above that on
which the connected appliance is located is to be provided with
an enclosure having a fire-resistance rating equal to or greater
than that of the floor or roof assemblies through which it passes.
• When handling chimney sections and parts, we recommend
the use of gloves.
• Each wood-burning appliance requires its own separate
chimney system.
• With the exception of the tee branch made up of one
12-inch or one 24-inch section of pipe, or the use of 30°
offsets, the chimney must be installed vertically.
NOTE: Two sets of offsets maximum.
• Inspect chimney components before installation, and do not
attempt to install any part that appears to be damaged.
• Contact local building or fire officials about restrictions and
installation inspection in your area, and obtain required
building permits.
• After reading the instructions, if you still have any doubt about
your ability to complete the installation in a workman-like
manner, you should arrange for a professional installation.

AmeriVent Model HS/HSS All-Fuel Chimney
Installation Instructions
3. Firestop Assembly Cat. No. 6, 8 HS-FSA
NOTE: Firestop assemblies are required in dwellings
wherever the chimney passes through floors above
the ceiling support. A ceiling support is used only
in the ceiling directly above the appliance, and
firestop assemblies must be used at all other floor
levels. Firestop assemblies maintain proper
clearances between chimney and combustible
material. Prepare an opening in the ceiling
according to the chart in Table 1. This opening
must be framed on all four sides. Assemble
chimney sections up to firestop opening.
a. For all floor levels above ceiling support, with the exception
of attic, guide firestop assembly over chimney section
below with spacer flange toward joist (see Figure 5).
Complete assembly of pipe through joist. Push firestop up
against bottom of ceiling with spacer into joist opening.
Nail firestop in place with three (3) nails on each side.
b. On attics where chimneys are enclosed or where the attic
insulation shield is used (see Section 4), the firestop must
be installed on the top of joist in the same manner
described in Section a.
4. Attic Insulation Shield Cat. No. 6, 8 HS-AIS
If the chimney passes through an attic space, one of the
following methods must be used to prevent building insulation
from infringing on the required 2-inch airspace to combustibles.
NOTE: On new construction, the chimney should be
enclosed (or insulation shield installed) before
installing insulation.
a. Completely enclose the chimney where it passes
through the attic space, maintaining at least 2 inches of
airspace clearance (see Figure 6) after installing firestop
assembly as in Section 3.b.
b. Install an attic insulation shield on the top of the joist
(see Figure 7).
NOTE: Attic shield is 18 inches high; therefore, if there is 18
inches or less clearance from roof in the area where
chimney is located, the chimney must be totally
enclosed instead of using attic insulation shield.
1) Slide the double-wall attic insulation shield down around
the chimney, with the flat plate sitting either directly on the
joist above the ceiling support or on firestop assembly.
2) Position attic shield collar around pipe tightly, and push
down onto double-wall attic insulation shield to prevent
loose insulation from entering the 2-inch airspace.
3

NOTE: If after installation of attic insulation shield the chimney
must, at some later time, be totally enclosed, remove
the attic shield collar as shown in Figure 9.
IMPORTANT OPTION: In the cases where the location of the
chimney for a low pitch roof situation makes installation of the attic
shield impossible and enclosure of the chimney difficult, a third
method of protection is shown in Figure 8. It is possible to install
the roof support as shown in Figure 8, described in Section b.
The steep pitch roof support, RSA24, can be used as long as the
2-inch minimum dimension shown in Figure 8 is maintained.
4.1Joist Shield Cat No. 8HS-JS
A joist shield for 8" chimney may be installed to reduce
clearances to combustibles and/or a firestop for passing
through floors, ceilings and roofs with 16" o.c. construction.
See Joist Shield instructions.
5. 30° Cat. No. 6, 8 HS/HSS-030
The 30° offset fittings let the chimney “go around” joists, rafters,
or other projections as shown in Figure 10. A pair of 30° offset
fittings will permit the following horizontal offsets to be obtained.
Size 6 in. = 4³/8in.
Size 8 in. = 4³/8in.
Maximum of two (2) sets of offsets allowed. If an additional
horizontal offset is required, up to 6 feet of chimney sections
may be installed between the offsets as shown in Figure 10.
For each foot of added chimney section, the horizontal offset
increases by approximately 6 inches. At any time, the maximum
permitted offset from the vertical is 30°. When offsets are used,
the chimney should be supported using Support Bracket
Assembly (see Figure 10). You may need to temporarily support
the offset during assembly. The offsets use the same locking
system as the pipe sections described in Section A.2. Page 2.
6. Chimney Cap Cat. No. 6, 8HS-RCS,
Storm Collar Cat. No. 6, 8SC
Roof Flashing Cat. No. 6, 8F
a. Using a plumb line when necessary to locate a perfectly
straight chimney stack, locate and cut an opening in the
roof large enough to provide at least a 2-inch airspace
clearance to chimney. DO NOT CUT RIDGE BOARD.
Avoid cutting rafters, if possible, by use of offsets
described in Section A.5, Page 4. If rafter must be cut,
install headers between the nearest uncut rafters. Frame
opening, allowing at least a 2-inch airspace clearance
between chimney and combustibles (see Figure 11).
b. Finish the chimney to a height at least 3 feet above the
roof and at least 2 feet higher than any portion of the
building within 10 feet (see Figure 12).
c. Place the roof flashing suitable for the roof pitch
(see Figure 13) over the chimney pipe, and, using care
to maintain a 2-inch minimum clearance, nail securely
with minimum of three (3) roofing nails to the roof
through the side and top of plate. (DO NOT nail through
the bottom of plate.) All parts exposed to weather should
be painted. A light color paint must be used on the
outside chimney walls and be capable of withstanding at
least 400°F temperatures. Cover nail heads with
waterproof bead of high-temperature silicon sealant.
d. Finish roofing around chimney, covering the side and
upper edges of flashing plate with roofing material
(see Figure 14). Be sure the lower unnailed portion of
the plate covers the roofing material.
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AmeriVent Model HS/HSS All-Fuel Chimney
Installation Instructions

B. OPEN BEAM OR SLOPING CEILING INSTALLATION
1. Roof Support Assembly
Cat. No. 6, 8 HS-RSA
a. Check height of roof support assembly. The
standard roof support is used for most open beam or
sloping ceiling installations. For steeper pitched
roofs, extra-long roof supports are available. See
Figure 16 for minimum airspace clearances from
support and connector pipe to roof structure.
b. Cut opening in roof. Cut a rectangular hole in the
roof to fit the support snugly (see Figure 17). Avoid
cutting through a roof rafter. If a rafter must be cut,
install a header between the nearest uncut rafters.
Frame around the hole (see Figure 18).
c. Place roof support in hole and lower support (see
Figure 19) until the bottom is at least 2 inches below
the ceiling or adjacent beam (whichever is lower).
For extra-thick beams, use longer roof support to
maintain clearances as shown in Figure 16. Tack-
nail the support in place. Check to see that support
is in a true vertical position by using a level across
the bottom face of the support. Adjust tack nails, if
required, until bottom of support is level.
d. Mark a line on the outside surface of front, back and
sides of the roof support where it protrudes above
the roofline, matching the pitch of the roof (see
Figure 20). These lines indicate where to cut the top
of the roof support so it will be flush with the top of
the roof. Cut the top of the roof support along the
lines by either cutting in place or removing tack nails
and withdrawing roof support. If tack nails are
removed to facilitate cutting, be sure to recheck to
see that support is level prior to final nailing.
e. After cutting is completed, nail through all four sides
of roof support into framework installed in Step b.
Use a minimum of sixteen (16) 8d nails.
f. Install the single-wall adapter furnished with the
support by pushing the end without the flange down
through the opening in the bottom of the support until
the flange rests snugly in the support (see Figure 21).
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AmeriVent Model HS/HSS All-Fuel Chimney
Installation Instructions
e. Place the storm collar down over the chimney until it is
level. Tighten storm collar for a snug fit. Apply a bead
of high-temperature silicon sealant around chimney at
top of storm collar (see Figure 14).
f. Install chimney cap by pushing cap downward until the bead
on cap’s inner liner rests on the top of upper pipe section.
g. If the chimney extends more than 5 feet above the roof,
it will require additional bracing. We suggest using a
Roof Brace Kit or a field-fabricated assembly, using a
Support Bracket Assembly as shown in Figure 15.
To determine the length of brace, measure from Support
Bracket Assembly to point on roof where brace will be
anchored. Flatten the ends of ¾-inch conduit for
approximately 1 inch length at 90° to each other. Drill a
¼-inch hole in each end of conduit, and bolt it to the
support bracket with the bolt head inside the support
bracket. Install support bracket, draw bolt tight, and
attach other end of conduit to roof.
7. Chimney Connector Hook-up
Connect the appliance to the chimney’s single-wall adapter
(see Figure 2) by using a minimum 24-gauge, single-wall
connector pipe. Clearances from connector pipe to
combustible material shall be as specified in Chapter 5 of the
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 211.
NOTE: For reduced clearance applications or mobile
home installations, AmeriVent Model DCC Double-
Wall Chimney Connector is also available.

B. THROUGH-THE-WALL INSTALLATION
NOTES: Chimney height should not exceed 30 feet for
through-the-wall installations (see Figure 26).
We recommend enclosure of exterior-
mounted chimneys below the roofline in
geographical areas experiencing sustained
low-ambient temperature to help reduce or
limit condensation, creosote build-up and
poor draft. Also install an access door into
the enclosure for cleaning and maintenance.
1. Make Opening In Wall
Be sure to maintain minimum of 2-inch airspace
clearance to combustibles.
a. Locate position on wall where chimney tee is to be
installed.
b. Cut a square opening through wall per Table 2.
2. Install Wall Thimble
Cat. No. 6, 8 HS-WTP
a. Install the wall thimble through opening in wall with the
black painted surface on the inside wall (see Figure
22). Screw each trim plate in place through the four
(4) prepunched holes on each trim plate (see Figure
23). Use bead of high-temperature silicone sealant
between outer plate of thimble and exterior wall.
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AmeriVent Model HS/HSS All-Fuel Chimney
Installation Instructions
2. Chimney Pipe Sections
Cat. No. 6, 8 HS/HSS-6, 12 18, 24 36, 48
See Section A.2., Page 2.
3. Chimney Cap, Storm Collar and Roof Flashing
See Section A.6., Page 4.
4. Chimney Connector Hook-Up
Connect the appliance to the chimney’s single-wall
adapter (see Figure 21) by using a minimum 24-gauge
single-wall connector pipe. Clearances from connector
pipe to combustible material shall be as specified in
Chapter 5 of the National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) Standard 211.

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AmeriVent Model HS/HSS All-Fuel Chimney
Installation Instructions
b. For wall thickness less than 8 inches, use a 12-inch
long piece of chimney. For walls 8 inches or thicker,
you must use an 18-inch or 24-inch long piece of
chimney. Make sure that the 4½-inch minimum
dimension shown in Figure 26 is maintained. Attach
the chimney section to the chimney tee branch in the
same manner described in A.2., Page 2. Slide this
assembly of chimney and tee through the thimble as
shown in Figure 24. The tee cap fits on the inner wall
at the bottom end of the tee trunk (see Figure 23).
When the chimney tee is fixed securely in place, add a
bead of high-temperature silicone sealant at the
interface where the tee branch passes through the wall
thimble on the exterior surface to prevent air infiltration.
c. Install wall support per separate wall support
instructions, and secure support to wall with lag
screws or toggle bolts (see Figure 26).
3. Assemble Chimney Sections
a. Assemble per Section A.2., Page 2.
b. Support Bracket Assembly must be used every other
section or every 6 feet, and must be secured to wall by
lag screws or toggle bolts to provide lateral support of
the chimney and to ensure correct spacing to wall.
4. For Overhanging Roofs
a. If roof overhangs the wall of the structure so that
passage of the chimney is obstructed, it is necessary
to cut a hole in the overhang. Leave a minimum of 2-
inch clearance and install the flashing and storm collar
per Section A.6.a-e., Page 4 (see Figure 14).
b. Alternate Method: Cut away the portion of overhang
as shown in Figure 25, allowing for minimum 2-inch
clearance to combustible material. Do not use 30°
offsets to overcome overhang.
5. Chimney Cap
Install the chimney cap per Section A.6.f., Page 5.
6. Extended Height
If the chimney extends more than 5 feet above the roof, it
will require additional bracing. We suggest using a Roof
Brace Kit or a field-fabricated assembly per section A.6.g.
7. Connect Appliance to Chimney
a. Slip the black single-wall adapter furnished with the
tee over the inner liner of the branch of the chimney
tee with the adapter’s 45° flange toward the tee (see
Figure 26). Position the black pipe end plate over the
single-wall adapter and over the end of tee branch.
Fasten pipe end plate to outer wall of the tee branch,
using a minimum of two (2) ³/8-inch sheet metal
screws furnished with end plate.
b. Connect the appliance to the chimney’s single-wall
adapter (see Figure 26) by using a minimum 24-gauge
single-wall connector pipe. Clearances from
connector pipe to combustible material shall be as
specified in Chapter 5 of the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) Standard 211.
NOTE: For reduced clearance applications or mobile
home installations, AmeriVent Model DCC
Double-Wall Chimney Connector is also available.

8
AmeriVent Model HS/HSS All-Fuel Chimney
Installation Instructions
©2007 American Metal Products Group All rights reserved Form No. 803993 06/08/2007 Printed in U.S.A.
Instructions for burning wood
Operation and Maintenance
Seller warrants to the original purchaser for resale that
the products sold hereunder shall be free from defects
in material or workmanship appearing during the lifetime
of original owner, so long as s/he lives in the house
where the chimney was installed, for AmeriVent ProLine,
HS, and DCC products.
This warranty is contingent on Buyer giving Seller
prompt notice of any defect. Seller’s obligation under
this warranty is limited to the replacement of any of the
products that are defective in material or workmanship
and that are returned to Seller with transportation
charges prepaid, and is conditioned upon the Buyer
furnishing satisfactory evidence that the goods alleged
to be defective have been professionally installed,
maintained, cleaned at least once a year, and operated
under normal conditions.
This warranty shall not apply to any labor charges or
incidental or consequential damages or to goods that
have been subjected to misuse, abuse, neglect or
improper storage, handling or maintenance.
THIS WARRANTY IS THE ONLY WARRANTY,
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, GIVEN BY THE SELLER,
AND THE SELLER HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Creosote and soot formation and need for removal:
When wood is burning slowly, it produces tar and other
organic vapors, which combine with expelled moisture
to form creosote. The creosote vapors condense in the
relatively cool chimney flue of a slow-burning fire. As a
result, creosote residue accumulates on the flue lining.
When ignited, this creosote makes an extremely hot fire.
The chimney should be inspected at least every two
months during the heating season to determine if a
creosote or soot build-up has occurred. If creosote or
soot has accumulated, it must be removed to reduce the
risk of chimney fire.
The chimney can be inspected for cleaning in three
ways.
1. From the top: Remove the chimney cap by lifting the
lower edge of cap and pulling upwards away from
the chimney.
NOTE: Cap fits snugly. Use care to avoid losing
balance when removing and installing cap.
2. From the bottom: Remove the chimney connector.
3. From the chimney tee: Remove insulated outer tee
cap and screws to remove the inner tee cap from
bottom of tee.
Chimneys should be cleaned only with brushes
designed for this purpose.
Do not use chemical cleaners or burn driftwood. The
salts contained in both can shorten life of product.
Contacting a professional chimney sweep is suggested.
Overloading your stove with fuel may result in
overheating the chimney and connecting parts, thereby
creating a fire hazard. If any part of the stove or
connecting pipe GLOWS RED, it is overfired. If this
happens, close stove doors, draft wheels or other
combustion air controls (if applicable); set the
thermostat (if any) to minimum temperature.
Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.
If you have a chimney fire or notice discoloration of the
outside wall of your chimney, it must be inspected
before further use.
Never leave a fire in a wood-burning stove unattended.
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