Improper dryer vent placement can be a huge threat to homeowners as it can lead to reduced efficiency of the dryer, restricted airflow, and a breeding area for molds and mildew in your home or business. Besides, it can thwart the proper expulsion of lint or small particles from the laundry which are primary causes of fire in most homes.
If you are planning to move and reroute your dryer vent, there are some things you need to keep in mind. For example, you need to be aware of the building code regulations in your area as well as the dryer vent code regulations.
Here we have lined up the steps to move and reroute your dryer vent to overcome any challenges that you may encounter.
Materials Needed
Before you start moving your dryer vent to an appropriate location, it’s vital to have the supplies ready to avoid a return trip to the store. Here are the materials that you will need for the task.
- Power drill
- Hole saw
- Caulk gun
- Caulk chalk
- Aluminum foil
- Screws
- Screwdriver
- Clamp
- Aluminum duct
1. Determine the Best Place to Relocate the Duct
The next step is to decide on the best place to move your appliance. If you have a laundry room, that shouldn’t be a problem because your contractor may have taken proper steps to ensure you have a proper venting system.
However, if not, then you need to find an appropriate location to reroute the duct. I highly recommend piercing through an external wall in a horizontal design. Notably, this makes the installation bliss and you won’t have trouble cleaning the ductwork.
It should be noted that the duct system must be cleaned at least twice every year. Generally, ducts that extend to the roofing are difficult to install, clean, and maintain which can create a fire hazard.
After finding a new space for the vent, use the tape measure to determine the distance from the ground. Ensure it is at least 1 foot.
If the only alternative is to install via the attic or crawl space, contact your building contractor to update you on the building codes and regulations. Sometimes, depending on your state or city there may be restrictions that you should be aware of before extending the vent to the attic.
Additionally, ensure the wall does not have studs or wires running through it as this can interfere with the assembly or worse still cause injuries.
2. Make the Hole
Now that you know where to vent, the next step is to mark the area with a marker pen. Using a hole saw, start piercing through the wall in a horizontal manner. Ensure the hole is slightly larger than the duct.
3. The Set-Up
After making the hole, the next step is to run the duct through the opening. Ensure that it’s properly aligned in a horizontal design. At this point, I suggest you use an aluminum duct because it’s smooth and straight. Furthermore, it’s sturdy enough and will not crush under the weight of the wall.
After setting up, the next step is to seal the edges to ensure there’s no open space that can trap lint. As earlier mentioned lint can rub on wall surfaces and ignite a fire. I recommend caulk chalk because it forms a strong bond and completely seals the openings. Seal both sides of the ductwork opening.
Then, cover the exterior side with a duct cover to prevent infiltration by rodents, dirt or birds. It’s important to note that hot air from the dryer should flow with no obstruction to ensure its efficiency and cut power bills.
Next, attach the dryer’s exhaust to the ductwork. A clamp will be more useful in mounting the duct and strengthening the bond. You can also use aluminum foil because it’s more stable and durable. Additionally, unlike a normal duct tape which is tacky, an aluminum foil can withstand any weather condition.
4. Move your Machine
Lastly, you need to move your appliance towards the wall. Leave some space between the machine and the wall.
Plug the dryer into an electric connection to test whether the ductwork is expelling the hot air efficiently.
Tips for Moving and Rerouting your Dryer Vent
- Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines
- Comply with the venting guidelines as well as building code regulations
- Find a suitable location next to an external wall
- Have the materials ready
- Avoid rerouting via the roof
Conclusion
Hopefully, you can now move and reroute your dryer in easy steps. The first step is to understand the process, find the necessary equipment or materials, plan for the activity, and execute the task. There is no need to stay with an inappropriately fixed or dysfunctional dryer vent as it poses great risks. Lastly, don’t forget to cover the old hole where the ductwork was. In this case, you can use a beam to completely seal the opening.
