It isn’t always convenient to vent a dryer via an outside wall; is it safe to vent your dryer through the roof?
Dryers may be vented through the roof, but only if the ductwork is installed in accordance with the International Residential Code. Due to the accumulation of lint, venting through roofs poses a fire threat and requires regular expert cleaning. A dryer should be vented through an exterior wall if possible.
What I intend to do in this paper is to demonstrate:
There are benefits and drawbacks to using roof vents.
How to Meet Local Code Requirements
How do you maintain a clean roof vent?
Roofing a dryer venting system
Dryer Exhaust Venting Options: Pros and Cons
Pros
Building Codes –Many types of venting are forbidden by the code, however roof vents are usually the best option.
Aesthetics –A roof vent can be installed such that it blends in with your roof and the surrounding environment, making your home more aesthetically pleasing.
Duct Length –The roof is frequently the shortest route to the outside, which reduces the amount of ducting tubing needed.
Rodents –An attic vent is a more challenging entry point for rodents.
Less Complex – Less twists and more straight-up climbing.
Protected –When compared to a vent on the ground, a vent in the ceiling is less obtrusive and less likely to be broken by accident.
Cons
Condensation –The vapour in the ducting will condense if it must pass through a cool attic. As the droplets return down the drain, they provide a surface for the lint to adhere to.
Leaks –This requires cutting a hole in your roof, which could cause water damage even if you think you’ve sealed it properly.
Cleaning –They are more difficult to clean, and local ordinances may mandate that they be cleaned once a year.
What Requirements Does the Building Code Have Regarding Dryer Venting Through a Roof?
Section M1502 of the International Residential Code (IRC) is dedicated solely to addressing the issue of clothes dryer vents. The majority of the dryer code’s requirements are geared around protecting the safety of home residents and neighbours.
Some dryer vent provisions from the IRC are as follows:
Directions –The ducting should be installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, which include avoiding certain types of vent cap placements.
Standalone -Dryer ducts should not be connected to any other home venting systems like bathroom or kitchen exhaust fans.
Outside –All venting should lead to the outside air. A ductless dryer is an exception to this rule.
Prevent Blowback –No less than three feet shall separate the exhaust vent from the nearest door, window, or other vent.
Diameter –The smallest pipe diameter allowed by the code is four inches, and it must be adhered to throughout the ducting. The duct must also be made of metal thicker than 1/64 inch (at least 27 gauge).
Support – Once every 12 feet, the ducting needs to be supported in some way.
Max. Length – Dryer ducts must be no longer than 35 feet.
How do you maintain clean roof vents?
It’s important to think about the upkeep involved with a dryer vent in the roof before you go ahead and install one.
Cost to Clean Dryer Vent in Roof
DIY options are free, but hiring a pro will set you back more than $100. Hiring a pro means you won’t have to worry about your own safety while they’re up there fixing your roof.
Avoiding the Need to Climb on the Roof to Clean the Dryer Vent
Using a vacuum cleaner at the duct’s base to remove debris from the dryer vent is a less efficient alternative. Take the dryer apart and insert the vacuum hose into the duct.
Then use an old cloth to try to plug the space between the duct and the vacuum. A lot of debris will be sucked through, but lint that has become embedded in the duct’s inside or the vent cap will remain.
Clogged Dryer Vent on Roof
The most common cause is debris (usually dirt) getting caught in the lint trap. When you’re sure the problem isn’t the trap, you can move on to inspecting the vent flaps. There’s a chance the flaps are damaged, cracked, or being blocked from the outside.
Rooftop Air Duct Cleaning Company
It is the job of a professional to clean the entire duct system, including climbing onto the roof to remove and clean the vent cap. The ducting will be sterilised by the use of specialised equipment that professional cleaners will bring to the job. If you require documentation of cleaning for your regulator, a professional can provide you with a cleaning certification.
Dryer Vent Roof Installation Instructions
Dryer venting via the roof may be done quickly and easily with just a few common tools and a few basic instructions.
Tools and Materials List
- Pencil
- Drill
- 1/4-inch drill bit
- 4-inch hole saw for a drill or reciprocating saw
- Hammer or screwdriver
- Roofing sealant
- Roofing tar
- Foil tape
- 1-inch screws or nails
- 2 × jubilee clips
- 4-inch metal duct elbow
- Roof vent cap
- 4-inch metal ducting
- Ducting insulation
- Tin snips
Step-by-Step Guide
Location –When you get the clothes dryer set up, you can then plot the quickest route to the roof. If possible, avoid making any sharp turns in the duct and instead run it vertically upward from the first bend at the back of the dryer.
Mark –Sketch a plan for where you will make the hole in the roof. To determine the exact location of the vent’s exit point, drill a pilot hole through the centre of the duct outline and check the roof.
Shingles –To prepare the roof for the vent, climb up there and pull back the shingles in the area.
Hole –If the vent cap won’t fit through the roof, you’ll need to cut a hole with a hole saw or reciprocating saw.
Install –Roofing tar should be painted between the vent and the roof after installation. Nails or screws measuring 1 inch will do to fasten the vent.
Seal –It is also possible to use foil tape to waterproof the skirting’s connection to the roof, followed by a coat of tar to waterproof the roof over the tape. In order to cover the vent cap, you will need to replace the shingles and trim them to size.
Duct – Connect the duct to the vent cap on the underside of the roof. After taping the dryer vent connection to the ceiling, you can use a jubilee clip to keep it in place.
Insulate –Insulation will stop condensation of exhaust water vapour on the cold metal. If the duct must initially pass through an attic, this is even more crucial.
Connect and Secure –Use foil tape and a jubilee clip to attach the duct to the dryer’s rear. If the ducting runs longer than 12 feet, it is also important to provide support for its weight.
To Cap Dryer Vent On Roof
Broan Roof Vent Kit
This package has everything you need to set up a roof dryer duct in a way that looks like it was done by a specialist. The cap’s low profile makes it effective in high gusts and makes it difficult to spot. Additionally, the cap’s wide skirt provides a larger surface area for caulking the roof and preventing leaks.
Duct length of 8 feet, connector size of 4 inches, and sealant foam are all included.
Vent Systems 4-inch Round Roof Cap
This 4-inch galvanised vent cap is both functional and attractive; it allows air to escape in any horizontal direction and can be raised out of the snow. Due to the rubble gasket used to seal the ducting connection, this cap can be easily removed and cleaned on a regular basis.
The 4-inch duct ca
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