Venting a dryer into the attic is a common practice for some homeowners, but is it safe?
Venting a dryer into the attic can be tempting due to the ease and convenience of running the venting ductwork through the attic, rather than through the wall and outside. However, this practice can be dangerous and is not recommended by experts. The International Residential Code states that you must not vent a dryer into the attic, but you can run the vent through the attic to get to the roof or siding.
The Dangers of Running a Dryer Vent into Your Attic
There are 7 major reasons why running a dryer vent into your attic can be problematic.
Fire Hazard
One of the biggest dangers associated with venting a dryer into the attic is the buildup of lint, which is highly flammable. Lint can accumulate in the ductwork and ignite, causing a fire in the attic that can spread rapidly throughout the home.
Structural Damage
The hot, moist air from the dryer can cause condensation in the attic, leading to mold and mildew growth. This can cause structural damage to the framing, insulation, and other materials in the attic, potentially affecting the stability of the home.
Health Hazards
Mold and mildew growth can also pose health hazards, as mold can produce allergens, irritants, and toxic substances that can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
Reduced Airflow
Venting a dryer into the attic can interfere with the natural airflow in the home, leading to increased humidity levels and increased risk of mold and mildew growth.
Increased Energy Costs
Venting a dryer into the attic can also result in increased energy costs, as the hot, moist air from the dryer will need to be cooled by the air conditioning system, which will use more energy and result in higher utility bills.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
The buildup of lint, mold, and mildew in the attic can also negatively impact indoor air quality, leading to respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues.
Building Code Violations
Many building codes, such as the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Mechanical Code (IMC), prohibit the venting of a dryer into the attic, and violators can face fines and other penalties.
How To Vent Your Dryer Through The Roof
Venting your dryer through the roof is an effective way to safely exhaust the hot, moist air produced during the drying process. Here are the steps you can follow to vent your dryer through the roof:
- Gather materials: You will need a roof vent hood, metal ductwork, adjustable elbows, roof flashing, roofing nails, silicone caulk, and a drill.
- Measure the distance: Measure the distance between the back of the dryer and the roof, including the height of the dryer, the height of the roof, and any obstacles that may interfere with the ductwork.
- Cut the ductwork: Cut the metal ductwork to the correct length, taking into account the measurements from step 2.
- Install the vent hood: Place the roof vent hood on the roof, ensuring that it is positioned directly above the dryer. Secure the vent hood to the roof using roof flashing and roofing nails.
- Attach the ductwork: Connect the ductwork to the vent hood using adjustable elbows. Ensure that the ductwork is properly secured to the roof with roofing nails.
- Install the roof flashing: Place the roof flashing over the vent hood and ductwork, securing it to the roof with roofing nails.
- Caulk the edges: Apply silicone caulk around the edges of the roof flashing and the vent hood to seal any gaps and prevent leaks.
- Connect to the dryer: Connect the other end of the ductwork to the dryer, ensuring that the ductwork is properly secured to the back of the dryer.
- Test the system: Turn on the dryer and allow it to run for several minutes. Check the roof and the ductwork for any leaks or signs of damage.
How To Vent Your Dryer Through Your Siding
It is more common to have your dryer vent through the siding of your house. This usually makes it easier to clean the ducts and you minimize the risk of leaks because you are not putting a hole in your roof. Below are the steps you can take to install a vent in the wall of your house:
- Gather materials: You will need a wall vent hood, metal ductwork, adjustable elbows, wall penetrations, wall plate, exterior caulk, and a drill.
- Measure the distance: Measure the distance between the back of the dryer and the wall, including the height of the dryer, the height of the wall, and any obstacles that may interfere with the ductwork.
- Cut the ductwork: Cut the metal ductwork to the correct length, taking into account the measurements from step 2.
- Install the wall vent hood: Place the wall vent hood on the outside of the wall, ensuring that it is positioned directly above the dryer. Secure the wall vent hood to the wall using screws or other appropriate fasteners.
- Attach the ductwork: Connect the ductwork to the wall vent hood using adjustable elbows. Ensure that the ductwork is properly secured to the wall and the wall vent hood.
- Install the wall penetrations: Cut holes in the wall where the ductwork will penetrate the wall, and install wall penetrations to provide a secure, airtight seal around the ductwork.
- Install the wall plate: Place the wall plate over the wall penetrations, ensuring that it covers the holes in the wall and provides a smooth, finished appearance.
- Caulk the edges: Apply exterior caulk around the edges of the wall plate and the wall penetrations to seal any gaps and prevent leaks.
- Connect to the dryer: Connect the other end of the ductwork to the dryer, ensuring that the ductwork is properly secured to the back of the dryer.
- Test the system: Turn on the dryer and allow it to run for several minutes. Check the outside of the wall and the ductwork for any leaks or signs of damage.