urgent - the final word on flexible aluminum venting?

17 years ago

A month ago, our local appliance store was installing dryers using the flexible aluminum venting. I think it's mylar, but not sure. They said they've been using it for 20 years with no problems.

Two weeks ago, while the salesman was discussing this with me, an install guy walked by, overheard the conversation and said that the store is no longer using that flexible stuff because it turns out that it's UL listed, BUT NOT UL LISTED FOR DRYER USE.

When I talked again with the salesman, he said he didn't know whether the store is using the flex stuff or not. And, if not, they're using rigid flexible venting. (Oxymoron, I know, but that's what he called it.)

Does anyone know what the problem is with the less rigid stuff? Why isn't it UL listed for dryer use? Is it safe?

Install is happening tomorrow and I need to know whether we should use it or not. Thanks!

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Comments (3)

cluelesshusbandman
17 years ago
There are three common types of dryer to venthole hoses that I have found.

The first is the good ole white, paper-thin flexible plastic stuff. Looking at it you can tell it is not top notch, however, I've seen it used in many installs and used it myself up until this last dryer. I would stay away from it.

Second is the aluminized stuff that appears to be about the same as above, only heavier and silver colored. I believe it is still something to stay away from although that is what the installers used on our dryer. I plan to change it out to the third type below.

The third type is called semi-rigid. I believe this is the kind you want.
gordonr
17 years ago
If it's the mylar stuff, don't let them use it. It's good to hear they haven't had any problems in 20 years, but it still shouldn't be used.

I think the stuff they are talking about is this semi-rigid aluminum ducting. It comes compressed and as they pull it expands like an accordian. This stuff is approved for in-wall use, but it has a higher resistance to air flow so most dryer specs don't allow you to run it as far as rigid duct (ususally can only run it 40 to 60% as far). This material is also more likely to accumulate lint compared with rigid ducting. If you have any way to control this installation, I'd STRONGLY opt for properly installed smooth rigid duct even if it ends up costing more or introduces a delay. The only exception might be if it's a very-very short run from your dryer to the outside. Rigid duct should *not* be joined with screws - only tape. The pieces are also put together so as you go away from your dryer to the outside the end of the existing sections of duct are placed inside the new sections at the joints (again to minimize a place where lint can attach).
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meg711
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks very much for your help. This isn't going to be an ideal install, and the appliance store knows that.

Even though the side of the dryer is against an outside wall, we can't side vent. Current plan: thin profile elbow coming off the back of the dryer; then another elbow to join that thin profile piece to the duct. The duct/vent is made of smooth rigid venting and it elbows inside the wall before it gets to the outside. Roughly 30" and three elbows. Sheesh!

Despite my gut feelings about it, we're going to try to use the existing duct and see how the dryer works. If we experience problems, we're getting a new vent put in. Then we'll still be using the thin profile elbow, but that will be the only elbow.

I'm asking about the semi-rigid vs. the rigid because we will need to make that elbow somehow--the one that connects the thin profile elbow to the existing duct.

Thanks again!

urgent - the final word on flexible aluminum venting?

Comments (3)

cluelesshusbandman

gordonr

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urgent - the final word on flexible aluminum venting?

Comments (3)

cluelesshusbandman

gordonr

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