Dryer Ventilation Question

oodssoo

Hi all,

Another question having to do with dryer ventilation - do's and don'ts...

In all the readings I have done, I can not find the specifics on the maximum HEIGHT from the dryer up the wall. (All says maximum run with "X" amount of elbows...)

To help you help me, my setup would look like the following description:

From the Dryer (in the basement) to a 4" 90 deg elbow upward, to either two 45s or one 90 degree elbow, then to a vent pipe through the siding to the outside of house. Additionally, the total run from the dryer will not exceed 40 feet.

(Part of my research in this regard is simply to address the concern having to do with the lint fires potential. Research shows me that most home owners don't really pay much attention to this, and lint clogs in the vent tube over time, which then leads to a fire that burns the entire house down.)

COLDIRON

I would have the model number ready and call the manufacturer and ask for the technical dept or engineering the explain to them what you plan on doing. They should have the maximum runs in feet with the number of ells that will meet the specifications for the exhaust.

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No Warranty Means- If it breaks in half you get to keep both halves.

1950home

I was on a volunteer fire department for 6 years. During the time I did go to about 20 dryer fires or dryer hose fires.

If you go back to the IRC it says max of 25' and each 90* counts as 5'. 2 – 45* = 90*. This is just a guide line and you need to follow your manufactures instructions.

I like to use as much 4” duck work and 90*'s as possible. At one point I will use a 2 or 3' section of aluminum flexible duck so there is a flexible joint and a place to disconnect. Tape with foil tape and clamp all joints. Screws will give lint a place to build up.

I tried to look up the melting point of the “vinyl” and the “foil” (Mylar) flexible hoses, but could not find it.

joecaption

Why are you not just going straight up and out the rim joist between the joist.

oodssoo

Thank you all for your response thus far.

I am finishing the basement, and the laundry room really has me stuck...

Any rate, it looks like i would have to run the 4" metal rigid vent tube up into the joist cavity and out through the siding to externalize the ventilation.

The distance from the drier to the joist cavity is about 9' - 10'.

md2lgyk

My gut feeling is that a 40-ft run is much too long. But you should contact the dryer manufacturer to find out what is acceptable for your specific model.

You might consider a booster fan. These install in the ductwork and go on and off when the dryer starts and stops.

oodssoo

In some of the instructions, I have seen a length table go as long as 55 ft!

I, too, don't think it would be a good thing to push the chances... So... That in mind, I think 40 or less would work to my preference...

Gary in WA

Use a Type "A" termination hood for 50% more air flow; http://www.appliance411.com/faq/dryer-vent-length.shtml

Gary
P.S. 3' from any house openings at term. hood; http://www.codecheck.com/cc/ccimages...6th_Sample.pdf

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