What material is a type A vent typically made of?

A type A vent is typically made of metal. This type of vent is designed for gas appliances and is meant to safely vent exhaust gases to the outside environment. Metal, particularly aluminum or stainless steel, is used because it can withstand high temperatures generated during combustion and the corrosive byproducts of gas combustion.

Additionally, metal vents have the structural integrity required for supporting larger systems and weatherproofing against the elements when installed on buildings. The metal construction ensures durability and longevity, which are critical in maintaining safe operation over time.

Masonry, on the other hand, is used in the construction of chimneys and may not provide the flexibility or adaptability that metal does in modern venting systems for gas appliances. Other materials like plastic or fiberglass are generally not suitable for handling the high-temperature exhaust from gas appliances, as they may degrade or even fail under those conditions.