Dryer vents have helped homes prevent a multitude of problems and potential dangers. Having a way to pump out all the noxious gasses with lint in them is something we usually take for granted but only when we don’t have an option of installing a usual dryer vent do we start worrying.
Luckily there are other options as dryer vents could go down or go up depending on the location of your apartment. Here we will discuss how you could make dryer vents go up and how reliability plays a part.
Let’s get started!
What is a Vertical Dryer Vent?
A vertical dryer vent is an excellent option if your apartment or home doesn’t have a basement or the laundry room is situated on the upper floor. In most cases, the vertical dryer vent is set up in a hallway closet where both the washer and dryer are hidden.
The vent may run in a vertical line starting at the rear of the dryer to the roof of your home. Proper installation of the vent is necessary because it leads to safe discharge of hot air and lint from the laundry, thereby preventing house fires.
However, the more important question remains, can a dryer vent go up? Keep reading for a candid discussion.
Can You Vent Your Dryer Through The Roof?
You certainly can as there are methods to set up vertical dryer vents that let out the exhaust from the roof. Vertical dryer vents are common among those living in buildings that don’t have access to walls or traditional dryer vents.
Now that you know there is a way out for those struggling to find a way out of this problem, all you need to do is set it all up and install your vertical dryer vent. There are also issues with venting through the roof that we will elaborate in detail.
Installing A Dryer Vent That Goes To The Roof
There are several things to keep in mind when setting up a Vertical dryer vent. First off, you need to have the following supplies ready;
- A drilling tool or hole saw
- Caulking chalk
- Aluminum duct
- Aluminum foil
- Electric screwdriver and screws
- Roof Dryer Vent Exhaust
Once you have all the required items, you need to take measurements.
Measure the distance from the back of the dryer to the wall where the vent opening will be.
From that spot, measure the distance from the opening to the roof and put a small mark where you will drill the vent outlet.
You must also measure extra distances if you have an attic so that the ductwork can go all the way to the roof vent exhaust.
The next step is to drill through the wall and make way for the vent. For this task, We prefer using a hole saw because you don’t need to use power to drill, which can increase energy consumption. Besides, it can also cut a great variation of holes of different sizes, leading to better accuracy. Ensure the hole is around 4.5 inches because the ducts are usually 4 inches.
After drilling a hole in the wall, you can now insert the vent into the hole on the sidewall. Typically, the minimum length for a vertical dryer vent hose should be 25 feet, the maximum should be 35 feet. Next, move your dryer in such a way that it leaves a clearance from the wall.
Leave a small space between the wall and the dryer to avoid crushing the vent.
A bend vent can obstruct the proper flow of air, making your dryer struggle to work. If this happens, you’ll notice a longer drying cycle which can increase your energy usage. Furthermore, if lint gets trapped inside the bends, it can lead to a house fire.
On the outside, insert the ductwork all the way to the roof. We recommend an aluminum vent because it’s sturdy and will not crush or collapse. In addition, it’s easier to clean because it has a smooth interior. Typically, experts recommend cleaning the ductwork at least twice a year to prevent clogging of ling inside.
You will need to go up to your roof to install the roof dryer vent outlet. This requires you to be extremely careful and caution is advised. Make a cut on the roof or remove some roof tiles and place the dryer vent outlet, securing it with screws.
After inserting the ductwork, drill some pilot holes to attach the screws for mounting the vent hood. Using an electric screwdriver, drive the screws around the vent hood. I suggest sealing the opening of the vent hood with silicone caulk. It helps secure any opening and prevent open spaces that may lead to debris and dust from getting inside.
Next, connect the vent to the dryer outlet at the rear of the dryer. Then, wrap the edges with an aluminum foil around the vent connection. Connect the dryer to an electric connection and test whether hot air flows well without any obstruction.
If you’re unsure of a roof dryer vent installation, consult an expert who will help you out in the best way possible.
How Can A Dryer Vent Go Up?
Now that you know how to install a vertical dryer vent, there are some exceptional situations where it may always work.
If you are wondering if you can make your vent go up, yes, you can. However, you need to ensure that the bends or lengths comply with dryer vent installation guidelines.
Whether horizontal or vertical installation, dryer vents can be set up in multiple ways. However, venting upwards requires several considerations.
For example, you need to determine the furthest distance it can go up. I always prefer keeping the maximum length between 35 to 40 feet as long as there are no bends or twists.
You can use any material as this will not impact the installation. However, I always prefer aluminum because it’s high quality and not prone to bends.
You can also vent via the attic, however, ensure the pipe is insulated and extends to an outlet via the wall. Every time you want to vent your dryer, it should vent to the outside to avoid an accumulation of moisture on surfaces that can lead to mold growth and respiratory problems.
Reasons Why Venting Upwards Through The Roof Is Discouraged
- Terminating a vent via the roof can cause a fire hazard from lint.
- There is a risk of damage from rainwater which may infiltrate the vent. Subsequently, if rainwater sweeps through the vent, it can damage your appliance.
- Cleaning up is not easy because you’ll need to climb up the roof, which requires the use of safety equipment like ladders.
Venting Your Dryer Upwards
Whereas it’s not advisable, it can be the only solution in certain circumstances. There’s not much difference between installing a horizontal and vertical dryer vent installation in terms of material requirements. However, you should note that the length of the vent is longer in the case of vertical installation.
In addition, you’ll need to ensure the flashing is installed correctly before sliding the vent pipe via the hole in the roof opening. It would also help if you covered the dryer vent with a rain cap to prevent rainwater from running down the roof.
Conclusion
Before you install a vent upwards, it’s essential to check with the building codes in your state or city. Further, get a professional to help you decide on the best option. Usually, vertical vent installations are not recommended, but you can terminate it to a roof if the maximum length doesn’t exceed 35 feet. For safety and dryer efficiency, choose a straight and short route to the outside.
