As more and more lint is caught on the ridges, they create barriers over time. >>Yes, flexible metal can be cut with scissors.Thanks. flexible foil dryer vent aluminum clothes duct tube larger Only flexible ductwork listed, labeled, and in compliance with UL 2158A can be used. Because many dryer manufacturers recommend only the semi-rigid or rigid metal transition ducts, a rigid aluminum periscope duct is a better solution if the space is tight between the dryer and the wall, and the dryer and wall vent are close together. The periscope looks like it might work but also looks like it would need to be cut. There is nothing wrong with the actual heating elements. [https://www.houzz.com/discussions/need-help-feminizing-a-very-masculine-home-office-dsvw-vd~3521060[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/need-help-feminizing-a-very-masculine-home-office-dsvw-vd~3521060), Over the range microwaves require a minimum 66" mounting height from floor to top of the micro. Of course, one of the pipes may have to be cut to the correct length. Also, I would like to know the best way to connect two hoses, foil tape or clamps? While rigid metal ducts are fairly well-suited for containing fires, foil ducting certainly isnt. We have made the plunge and purchased a home in southern Utah. We have the bottom elbow and the first length of pipe connected to the dryer vent outlet,and held in place somehow while we slide the dryer into position. Running your dryer too long not only wastes energy but can also damage your clothes. This product will reduce heat and cool loss and condensation build-up. I had a 6 yr old Fridgedaire and thought it was faulty because it took 3 to 4 60 minute cycles to dry my clothes when I only had like 6 ft of foil vent hose to exit my basement. Semi-rigid flexible aluminum ducts have a smoother interior for better air flow, collect less lint, and maintain their 4-inch opening. BTW, the flexible metal vent is sufficiently flexible to be able to pull the dryer forward to vacuum around it, etc. All dryer ducting must be a minimum of 4" in diameter. It's not precision work. I have a new Whirlpool Cabrio W&D scheduled for delivery next week. Concealed ducting must be rigid metal (galvanized or aluminum) duct. UL listed and marked ducts are the better choice, as these ducts have been tested for total non combustibility with a maximum operating temperature of 435F. More Dryer Vent Cleaning information can be found. Comparison graphic of the port openings (round, model 425, model 350). They have a wide rectangular shape, except for the two ends where they make 90-degree connections to the dryer and vent. Routine cleaning is done from the outside by sending an air-propelled "jet-snake" through the vent. Length of concealed rigid metal ducting shall not exceed 35 feet (25' for IRC). This smooth design also provides for high-velocity airflow. Foil dryer ducts are praised for their maneuverability as well as their light weight, but they are certainly not without their limitations, some of which have serious safety implications, especially in dryers. Vanity top suggestions? ducting resistant This makes it harder for the lint to be expelled from the ducts and makes it more likely for the lint to get caught on one of the ridges. Not only does lint accumulate in the vents, but it can also accumulate in the dryer cavity, particularly if there is a backup from the vents themselves. Good luck! 
The requirements for transition ducts are as follows: As well, dryer manufacturers that allow foil ducts specify in their installation manuals and warranty requirements that foil-type flexible ducts must comply with UL 2158A. Only aluminum foil duct tape should used for the connection fittings to prevent leaks and breaks. The service company could not get ahold of their regional rep to update the programing on their service equipment for WEEKS. This product has smooth, straight walls to almost fully eliminate the possibility of lint trapping. As soon as the fire becomes larger with more lint to use as fuel, the integrity of the ducts becomes important. Emptying a dryer right after its cycle is done often means your clothing will be cozily warm, which makes doing laundry a lot more pleasant. The problem is that the flexible metal hoses I have seen at Lowes, Home Depot, etc. In short the foil (and sister plastic) vent hoses have dimples or ripples caused by the wire ring spiraling through the material that it supports.It's those dimples through out the length of the hose that causes a lot of wind turbulence within the hose. I agree. So, the very fact that the ducts are filled with lots of flammable lint may be enough for the dangerous temperatures to be reached. I've had a broken oven for over 3 months (an over-heated and cooked circuit board that controls the oven. (855) 358-1496 TOLL FREEFAX: (214) 247-1162Email: service@cwservicesinc.com, 2022 C&W Services Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Insulation will help prevent the moisture in the exhaust air from freezing inside the pipe, which would later lead to condensation and potential moisture problems when the pipe warms up and the ice melts. When we purchased a new W/D set about a year ago, we discussed the various materials with the installer. Yes, flexible metal can be cut with scissors.
Sagging occurs in foil ducting because the ducting is not rigid, so its shape doesnt hold well. Wish I would have read this before buying a new dryer. ducting When I put the top & bottom sections on, I just put a band of duct tape around to let it lean and keep it from falling but if you have an assistant, it's easier. The smooth interior finish means that foil dryer ducts do not comply with the regulations of the IRC. Using the "rigid" pipe is easy. This would comply with the IRC-mandated thickness and would also be more rigid than foil. 
Bumps and thumps might be driving you crazy, but they also might mean big trouble. Fortunately we never had a fire. Foil dryer ducts have a tendency to droop in addition to the formation of ridges inside of the ducts. We appreciate your interest in Dundas Jafine and will get back to you shortly. Privacy Policy|Disclaimer, In December 2006, Underwriters Laboratories introduced UL 2158A, Clothes Dryer Transition Duct,, an approved standard for flexible, high-temperature, , rated to 430 F., for both electric and gas dryers (this standard is also part of. As well, no screws should be used to penetrate the ductwork lint can accumulate on these screws, eventually creating a blockage and fire hazard.
Should not cost anything more. https://inspectapedia.com/ventilation/Clothes_Dryer_Venting.php#:~:text=Crushed%20or%20crimped%20flexible%20dryer,the%20duct%20and%20its%20connections. Foil ducts are easily to break than solid metal. However, the dryer itself and its exhaust produce much more extreme heat, which is not comfortable in the slightest. I can personally state that we had the foil type dryer vent in our house (built in 1982) and it functioned normally for nearly 20 years and then the dryer started taking longer and longer to dry a load. The importance of proper dryer venting can scarcely be overstated. You can find UL listed foil ducts in most hardware stores. Modern dryer heating elements are very powerful and can ignite the lint accumulated inside the plastic duct and the dryer, starting a house fire. If you want to use this for a transition duct, first check your dryer manufacturers manual to make sure its allowed. Theyre very unsafe, burn more easily than foil ducts, and are prohibited by most building codes and appliance manufacturers. But if its running through a crawl space, unheated basement, attic or other unconditioned space where theres the potential for freezing, then it is recommended to insulate the duct. Exhaust from your dryer is often between 120 and 160 F. When running the clothes dryer, be careful not to overdry. I was planning to use a foil hose. These specifications of the IRC may seem strange, but it is important to note that the IRCs rules are made to ensure that structural integrity, as well as human safety, is maintained. Accumulated lint, which often consists of cotton and perhaps wool fibers, ignites at a temperature of about 250 F. A typical family household should consider cleaning it every six months. Based on the responses, I know I should use a flexible metal hose (the solid metal seems like it would take custom fabricating to get to the exact length and shape). Soaking Wet Clothes: Will They Ruin The Dryer? It is as flexible as foil, and easy to install, yet crush-resistant. You only need about 2-1/2 inches behind your dryer for these these types of duct.
Just hold the last section up and make a mark with a marker on the pipe about where to cut it. A factor that makes this worse is the fact that air coming from these vents is often saturated with water vapor since the water carried by the wet clothing must go somewhere. Foil ducts contravene the IRC. He said he would never install a foil vent because of the potential fire hazard. As lint builds up, a serious fire risk develops. Particularly since I need to keep the dryer as close to the back wall as possible because of limited depth in the room. 10ft clamps hvac vent tent Let us know if you liked the post. Getting ahold of someone at Miele is disheartening as well - I've tried calling and several times gotten simply hung up on/transferred to the end survey instead of actually getting a person. The material, texture, and rigidity of foil dryer ducts are what make them a fire hazard as well as a liability for your dryer. BEST : Fire proof and easy to clean, a 4-inch fire proof aluminum pipe is the preferred venting option for optimum performance. https://dundasjafine.com/is-your-dryer-a-fire-hazard/#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20sources%20of,temperatures%20of%20250%C2%B0F. , there are also two voluntary sets of standards for dryer vent pipes: Underwriters Laboratories standard UL 2158, Electric Clothes Dryers for electric dryers. Here is a link that might be useful: Truths and Myths of Dryer Fires, Here is a link that might be useful: periscope vent. Using white vinyl transition ducts will void most dryer warranties. FALSE This is a common misconception. Moisture and heat from the dryer pump through the hose and the moisture condenses inside the hose and lint clings on to it.Some of it is dislodged by the force of the dryer fan but some becomes stuck like a paste. Problem Cleaning is performed when an individual dryer is not drying clothes fast enough. Theyre harder to work with, however, because they crush easily, and are tough to bend in tight areas. Still more lint is caught and accumulates, which is definitely a safety risk. Because many dryer manufacturers recommend only the semi-rigid or rigid metal transition ducts, a rigid aluminum periscope duct is a better solution if the space is tight between the dryer and the wall, and the dryer and wall vent are close together. A vent cleaning kit from the store often comes with a circular brush made for detaching lint and a rod that can extend into your dryer vent. It is as flexible as foil, and easy to install, yet crush-resistant. Must be a single length no connecting sections allowed. Termination of dryer venting must be to the exterior with a proper hood or roof cap equipped with a backdraft damper. Make sure your flex transition hose is not kinked or crushed. How often is a matter of how much use your dryer gets.
Just posted my first dilemma and could use some of your wonderful ideas. Not only do the ridges of foil ducts trap lint, but they also make it harder to remove. (Even though the distance in our cases is short, the installer should leave enough length so that you can move the dryer a short distance.). Some manufacturer requirements are not as restrictive as these codes, and their vents run much longer. The metal material also resists crushing and is a safer choice to prevent and contain fires. United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is likely that the ducts will still contain lint that is difficult to remove, leading to more lint accumulating in these uncleaned areas. It warns against using a plastic or foil vent hose. Or replace what you have with "Flexible Metal" (Flexible Metal being the best of both worldsflexible like the cheap plastic/foil tubes but rigid like solid metal). I bought a new dryer (Roper,super capicity, whirlpool econmy version) and it took 2 hrs to dry my clothes. 28 gauge).. Thanks and happy Holidays! When the duct is kinked or crushed as the dryer vibrates against the wall over time (or is pushed), the air flow is restricted even further, building up heat and creating a potential fire hazard. Learn what you can do to prevent dryer fires in your home with the help of our ProClean products. When the duct is kinked or crushed as the dryer vibrates against the wall over time (or is pushed), the air flow is restricted even further, building up heat and creating a potential fire hazard. Foil flexible ducts are pliable and easy to install. Like dixiedarlin1 stated, you can try the "Periscope" type vent. White vinyl spiral ducts are still found in many homes, but are not UL approved for clothes dryer transition ducts. Then, when they did get ahold of him, it turns out the front board unit was incompatible due to a slight design change (another $1000). The hood opening should point down and exhibit 12 inches of clearance between the bottom of the hood and the ground or other obstruction. Their rough walls restrict air flow (the 4 inch opening collapses to 3.25 inches), and clog easily with lint. All current over the range microwaves can be installed over gas cooking products up to and including 5 burner stoves. This makes fires more likely in your home. ventilation 10ft While our local service folks are great (have used for many other brand appliances for years), the Miele support is non-existent. blockage of the dryer vent can cause overheating, dangers associated with broken dryer ducts. They have a wide rectangular shape, except for the two ends where they make 90-degree connections to the dryer and vent. Most importantly, feel for proper exit velocity of the air leaving the vent and look at or feel the interior walls of the duct. In the event of a dryer fire, it is best to have vents that can contain the fire so that it doesnt spread through the rest of the house. Deduct 5 feet from the allowable length for every 90 degree elbow and two and a half feet for every 45 degree fitting (the, Dryer venting shall be independent of any other systems (chimneys or exhaust vents). Theyre very unsafe, burn more easily than foil ducts, and are prohibited by most building codes and appliance manufacturers. Not only will this product withstand fire better than a foil duct would, but its rigid design will prevent sagging even more than a semi-rigid duct could. Do not use rivets or screws in the joints or anywhere else in the duct as these will encourage lint collection. Now is the perfect time to upgrade your venting situation since your getting a new dryer.Check your outside vent cover or flapper to see if it needs updating, cleaning or replacing.I updated my old setup and cut my drying time by 10 minutes. Although the exhaust may not reach these temperatures normally, if your dryer is broken and producing much more heat than a functioning one would, temperatures may rise enough for the lint in your vents to ignite. Theyre harder to work with, however, because they crush easily, and are tough to bend in tight areas. If the dryer overheats and the lint catches fire, the foil duct wont contain it. Flexible transition hose between the dryer and the wall outlet should be either the foil type or the aluminum flexible duct (most preferred). Here's how you are making what's broken work again, The Hardworking Home: A look at the most popular laundry photos in 2014 hints that dog beds, drying racks and stackable units will be key, Houzzers from around the world share their tips for transforming housework into childs play, Of all the laundry room photos uploaded to Houzz so far in 2016, these are the most popular. The lint is caught in a special bag. Be the first to learn about innovative products and get tips for all your venting needs. The bottom line is to avoid the foil hoses. Using a Recessed Dryer Vent Box will also save space in your laundry room by allowing the dryer to be pushed up against the wall. has adopted both the International Residential Code and the International Mechanical Code (2015 editions). also includes extensive clothes dryer requirements. Click here to find a Dundas Jafine product retailer near you. Dryer vent cleaning is a very real commercial trade and the contracted work is sometimes described as Routine and Problem Cleaning. Humid air would then introduce water to the lint, which weighs it down. Home Blog Dryer Ducts Are Yours Up to Code? Using white vinyl transition ducts will void most dryer warranties. It may seem like a somewhat easy fix to the accumulation of lint in your dryer vents would just be to clean the vents more often. are rigid, aluminum ducts that telescope to extend their lengths (e.g. Dundas Jafine offers a variety of ducting options that will keep your home and family safe: GOOD : You can use a 4-inch flexible aluminum foil duct that is UL 2158A listed and marked for safe dryer venting. This means that a cleaning session for foil ducts would not have the same results as in smooth ducts. Some homeowners are familiar with this silver tubing at the back of the dryer that looks like a giant slinky. Remember, if there ever was a fire, metal hoses will not melt and spread the fire like foil and plastic WILL. The fire is contained for a longer period of time and smoke would slowly enter the home, indicating that a dryer fire is occurring. Actually inspect the termination port of the dryer and the wall or roof cap. I read the on-line manual for the gas dryer and it says to use a solid metal or flexible metal vent hose. The dryer vents are responsible for both expelling waste air and the lint that comes along with it. I understand COVID has supply chain issues, but this is ridiculous - these are standard parts, and could quite honestly be solved by simple care in how they do their service (such as not sending out unprogrammed parts). Never ever use a plastic duct to vent your dryer! This is certainly not something I expected from a supposedly high-end company / appliances. I am having problems closing the 4" rigid venr hoses.
They disconnect and pull the dryer out, install a large blower on the vent, and blow, brush, vacuum and/or dismantle - whatever it takes to get the vent clean. Although rigid metal ducts cannot contain a very large fire for very long, they can certainly give you more time to evacuate your home and call emergency services. 24 to 45 inches), and can be installed horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. Dundas JafinesProClean Drill Powered Duct Brushhelps to remove lint build up and debris in your dryer duct. FALSE No! As well, metal ducts dont sag with accumulation of moisture, water, or lint, which obstructs air flow. If you suspect clogged or partially clogged exhaust ducting, it is likely you need to have them cleaned. It overheats and adds to the potential for fire. In December 2006, Underwriters Laboratories introduced UL 2158A, Clothes Dryer Transition Duct, an approved standard for flexible, high-temperature transition ducts, rated to 430 F., for both electric and gas dryers (this standard is also part of IRC M1502.4.3 and IMC 504.8.3). Although foil dryer ducts can be more lightweight and easier to install than rigid dryer ducts, their lack of rigidity makes it so that they are not compliant with the IRC. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. This means that the fire, as well as its smoke, can easily spread through your home. It also makes the dryer motor strain to exhaust air. A buildup of lint in the vent reduces the air flow and affects your dryers performance, so it should be cleaned out periodically. this was an EXTREMELY poor design, the circuit board sits between the four burners, on top of the oven (can you think of a worse part for sensitive electronics? Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. Their rough walls restrict air flow (the 4 inch opening collapses to 3.25 inches), and clog easily with lint. Categories Appliances, Dryer, HVAC, Ventilation. However, some dryer manufacturers dont allow them because theyre highly flammable. I would like to use rigid vent pipe to extend 25 ft from the dryer to an outside vent. It has a UL 2158A listing, with the same fire safety level as semi-rigid aluminum, withstanding up to 482 without catching fire. With its smooth interior similar to semi-rigid ducts, DryerFlex also retains a 4-inch diameter, and doesnt capture much lint.
If the duct is in a heated space, such as the inside of the house or in a finished basement, then no, it doesnt need to be insulated. For over 80 years Dundas Jafine has been providing high quality and innovative air distribution products to help solve your everyday venting issues. Every cycle, this happens again and again eventually coating the inside of the hose. Look in your Yellow Pages under Duct Cleaning or search the Internet. You only need about 2-1/2 inches behind your dryer for these these types of duct. According to Section M1502.4.1 of the IRC: Exhaust ducts shall have a smooth interior finish and shall be constructed of metal not less than 0.0157 inch (0.3950mm) in thickness (No. It also is less likely to sag and therefore is less likely to have lint and water buildups. Texas has adopted both the International Residential Code and the International Mechanical Code (2015 editions). DryerFlex transition ducts are made from multiple layers of 100 percent aluminum ribbon tightly wound over hot galvanized zinc coated wire and, according to many home inspectors and dryer vent professionals, outperforms both foil and semi-rigid ducts.