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outside dryer vent leaks

17 years ago

The outside dryer vent is leaking cold air into the house. The flap that is inside the vent on the outside of the house has broken off. Anyone replaced their vent with something newer and less primitive than that little tin flap that gets stuck in the winter and is totally useless. I'm in a colder climate, so it must not freeze and stay open. The biggest issue is the fact I have a stucco house and the vent screws are covered by the finish. I may have to cut the vent with tin snips to get at the flap.

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Comments (5)

georgect
17 years ago
I used to have that type of single flap dryer vent...it used to get lint trapped and get stuck open. You can clean it by trying to get the lint from behind the flap (like with a flat head screwdriver or something).

I replaced the whole thing with the "louver" type vent that has four slats that open with the force of the air from the dryer.

I got mine at Home Depot but I'm sure you can get them at any hardware store. It's sold as one piece, you get the outside part that attaches to the house (the louver part) and like 12" tin that is attached and comes into the house and then you connect the dryer vent hose to it.

Mine was easy to replace, going out a basement window cut out.

Attached below is what it looks like.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{!gwi}}
gordonr
17 years ago
The Heartland vent is another style that looks like it closes tightly. Have no idea if it works well or not. Hopefully it passes lint to the outside.

Take a look at your dryer installation manual as they often list different maximum venting lengths depending on which type of termination you use. I believe there can be some venting distance difference between the single flap and the louvered flap.

Here is a link that might be useful: Heartland Vent
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ducracer900
17 years ago
I have the Heartland version noted by gordonr and it works great.
I live in New England and my laundry room was freezing and this
completely solved the problem. My only complaint would be that
it's a bit more messy outside as it sprays the lint in a wider pattern.

Hope that helps.
gowings
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks I ordered one today. Now I have to figure out how to get it on the wall. The old vent is covered with stucco around it when they built the house 3 years ago so the screws are not visible.
bob_brown
17 years ago
If you are using the dryer properly, you will trap lint inside of the dryer and clean the lint screen. Lint should be stopped before it goes to the vent system. You are asking for problems otherwise.

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