It is likely that the ducts will still contain lint that is difficult to remove, leading to more lint accumulating in these uncleaned areas. Dryer manufacturers prefer semi-rigid flexible ducts over foil, because the metal doesnt burn unless the temperature reaches 482F a fire can be contained until it goes out. He said he would never install a foil vent because of the potential fire hazard. I will take the foil vent back to the store and get either a flexible metal one or maybe a periscope. While our local service folks are great (have used for many other brand appliances for years), the Miele support is non-existent. There is nothing wrong with the actual heating elements. Some municipalities allow or do not discourage the foil covered vinyl flex but almost all appliance manufacturers insist on the use of the aluminum flexible pipe. Joints should be secured with metal tape (not duct tape). Let us know if you liked the post. 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. It is as flexible as foil, and easy to install, yet crush-resistant. If your dryer is in the master closet, you can even pull the clothes on while they are still warm. You only need about 2-1/2 inches behind your dryer for these these types of duct. Particularly since I need to keep the dryer as close to the back wall as possible because of limited depth in the room. Unlike rigid metal ducts, whose inner surfaces are smooth, foil ducts have many ridges for lint to get stuck on. duct 10ft foil [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. I was planning to use a foil hose. Sagging occurs in foil ducting because the ducting is not rigid, so its shape doesnt hold well. Some homeowners are familiar with this silver tubing at the back of the dryer that looks like a giant slinky. Risking a fire is just not worth it. We have made the plunge and purchased a home in southern Utah. 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. Below, I will go over whether or not foil dryer ducts are compliant with the International Residential Code (IRC), various fire safety problems with foil dryer ducts, as well as alternative options for foil ducts. Cheap and effective too. Duct joints shall be installed so that the male end of the duct points in the direction of the airflow. Only aluminum foil duct tape should used for the connection fittings to prevent leaks and breaks. Routine cleaning is done from the outside by sending an air-propelled "jet-snake" through the vent. 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). Semi-rigid flexible aluminum ducts have a smoother interior for better air flow, collect less lint, and maintain their 4-inch opening. TRUE & FALSE This one is a bit tricky because it depends on the location of the dryer. If the dryer overheats and the lint catches fire, the foil duct wont contain it. Interested in Dundas Jafine products? Dundas JafinesProClean Drill Powered Duct Brushhelps to remove lint build up and debris in your dryer duct. This means that the fire, as well as its smoke, can easily spread through your home. For foil ducts, though, a large enough fire would quickly disintegrate the ducts, making the fire spread faster. DRYER VENTS DONT NEED CLEANING. Theyre harder to work with, however, because they crush easily, and are tough to bend in tight areas. regus_patoff gave a good description and that's essentially how I did mine. http://products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-support-search-content?contentId=21841. The service company could not get ahold of their regional rep to update the programing on their service equipment for WEEKS. 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. It is as flexible as foil, and easy to install, yet crush-resistant. 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. Vanity top suggestions? We recommend using an automatic setting, such as "less dry" rather than a timed setting. A solid metal hose/pipe has no ripples so it's the lease resistant. This is certainly not something I expected from a supposedly high-end company / appliances. Remember that only ducts 8 feet or less can be UL listed and marked. duct ducting dryer Home Blog Dryer Ducts Are Yours Up to Code? The lint is caught in a special bag. It overheats and adds to the potential for fire. 28 gauge).. vent dryer hoses ipower insulated foil aluminum non This includes Advantium ovens and convection microwaves. All current over the range microwaves can be installed over gas cooking products up to and including 5 burner stoves. Be the first to learn about innovative products and get tips for all your venting needs. A buildup of lint in the vent reduces the air flow and affects your dryers performance, so it should be cleaned out periodically. 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. Learn what you can do to prevent dryer fires in your home with the help of our ProClean products. are all longer than the distance from the dryer vent connection to the wall connection (in their unexpanded form). It also makes the dryer motor strain to exhaust air. As long as the 66" minimum from the floor to the top of the microwave is followed there will be no performance or warranty problem. https://inspectapedia.com/ventilation/Clothes_Dryer_Venting.php#:~:text=Crushed%20or%20crimped%20flexible%20dryer,the%20duct%20and%20its%20connections. What is the problem with foil vent hoses that would make Whirlpool specifically state that they should not be used? Concealed ducting must be rigid metal (galvanized or aluminum) duct. They have a wide rectangular shape, except for the two ends where they make 90-degree connections to the dryer and vent. Have been off Houzz for a while as Bill and I contemplated moving south to a warmer, drier clime. More Dryer Vent Cleaning information can be found. Just hold the last section up and make a mark with a marker on the pipe about where to cut it. This means less warning time and more imminent danger. Look for birds nest or clogged openings. As soon as the fire becomes larger with more lint to use as fuel, the integrity of the ducts becomes important. , there are also two voluntary sets of standards for dryer vent pipes: Underwriters Laboratories standard UL 2158, Electric Clothes Dryers for electric dryers. duct hvac ventilation 10ft exhaust A dryer venting system constructed from proper material, installed per code, and regularly cleaned, can prevent not only fires but also mold-related health problems and damage to interior woodwork caused by warm, humid air leaking from ductwork. 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. 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. Should not cost anything more. Click here to find a Dundas Jafine product retailer near you. Foil dryer ducts arent safe. Moist air and lint are exhausted out of the dryer, and this moisture weighs down the lint, causing it to become stuck and accumulate. It has a UL 2158A listing, with the same fire safety level as semi-rigid aluminum, withstanding up to 482 without catching fire. flexible foil dryer vent aluminum clothes duct tube larger This is not necessarily true, though, since the ridges of foil ducting dont just lead to the accumulation of lint, they also make the vents much harder to clean. The bottom line is to avoid the foil hoses. Problem Cleaning is performed when an individual dryer is not drying clothes fast enough. 9 Home Noises and How to Fix Them, So You Say: 30 Design Mistakes You Should Never Make, 8 Laundry Room Ideas to Watch For This Year, Top 10 Trending Laundry Room Ideas on Houzz, See an Amazing $400 Laundry Room Remodel for a Family of 8, Standouts From the 2014 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. Additionally, in the case of a gas dryer, it prevents carbon monoxide from leaking into your home. Never ever use a plastic duct to vent your dryer! flexible foil dryer vent aluminum clothes duct tube larger Clean, unobstructed, frictionless ducts encourage air flow efficiency, quickens drying times, adds longevity to clothing's life and reduces utility bills. This is a very important function because, according to the National Fire Protection Association, there are more than 14,000 home fires every year involving clothes dryers. The sagging of foil ducting is made worse by the fact that lint, as well as water, often accumulate here. My foil vent hose had lint build up and like a gallon of water every month or so collecting that I had to drain out routinely. BEST : Fire proof and easy to clean, a 4-inch fire proof aluminum pipe is the preferred venting option for optimum performance. blockage of the dryer vent can cause overheating, dangers associated with broken dryer ducts. 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. Your dryer function can be impaired by water accumulation as well as blockage of airflow through the dryer ducts. Sad to leave this home, but excited about decorating our new one. 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. The space behind your dryer should be sufficient as to provide adequate room for the flex transition hose to make its bends with minimal deflection and restrictions. I haven't measured exactly because the dryer has not been delivered yet, but I probably need around 12"-15" of length. Be the first to learn about innovative products. Moreover, as lint builds up, it makes the dryer fan motor strain harder to exhaust the air, causing the fan to overheat, which increases the temperature of the exhausted air. While rigid metal ducts are fairly well-suited for containing fires, foil ducting certainly isnt. are not UL approved for clothes dryer transition ducts. Just posted my first dilemma and could use some of your wonderful ideas. With its smooth interior similar to semi-rigid ducts, DryerFlex also retains a 4-inch diameter, and doesnt capture much lint. Like dixiedarlin1 stated, you can try the "Periscope" type vent. Thats the only way we can improve. Accumulated water in your dryer ducting can lead to water leaks since this type of ducting isnt made to prevent leaks of liquid water. ventilation 10ft If you want to use this for a transition duct, first check your dryer manufacturers manual to make sure its allowed. The box also completely protects the duct from being crushed and lint build-up is minimized due to the limited kinks and bends. Also, I would like to know the best way to connect two hoses, foil tape or clamps? chimney range hose flexible A semi-rigid metal dryer duct withstands fire better than a foil duct and also has smaller and fewer ridges for lint to get caught on. Many people are not aware of the vital role clothes dryer vents play in home safety. aluminum duct everbilt grow clamps 10ft houses It blows air 360 degrees backwards, blasting the lint loose and blowing it outside. The 66" from the floor dimension will allow approximately 13"-16" between the cooktop and the bottom front of the microwave. Humid air would then introduce water to the lint, which weighs it down. The metal material also resists crushing and is a safer choice to prevent and contain fires. 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. ducting hose flexible https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/prevent-fires-and-cut-your-energy-bill-expert-guide-to-dryer-ducts/, Pros and Cons of Washer and Dryer in Master Closet. Not only do the ridges of foil ducts trap lint, but they also make it harder to remove. If the dryer overheats and the lint catches fire, the foil duct wont contain it. The very smooth interior of the periscope duct offers very little air resistance, which increases dryer efficiency and discourages lint buildup. A better duct choice would be a semi-rigid metal dryer duct. Worse is the service. When buying a semi-rigid duct, make sure you get a UL listed one, as some are non-listed. Can these things be cut to be shorter? Tell Me More. Exhaust systems longer than the manufacturer's recommendations can extend drying times, affect appliance operation and may encourage lint build-up on pipe lining. Must be a single length no connecting sections allowed. This leads to lint getting caught and accumulating, which can be very dangerous because of how flammable lint is. You can cut it with a tin snips or a heavy scissor even. Of course, one of the pipes may have to be cut to the correct length. 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. Remember, if there ever was a fire, metal hoses will not melt and spread the fire like foil and plastic WILL. Soaking Wet Clothes: Will They Ruin The Dryer? Dundas JafineDuct Insulation Sleevesare ideal for insulating rigid or semi-rigid round ducts. So yes the foil does collect lint and can be a problem long term. also includes extensive clothes dryer requirements. 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. Both the resistance to sagging as well as the smooth inside of these vents makes lint and water buildup a small possibility, which will protect your home from dryer fires as well as water damage. Cleaning the lint filters on your washer and dryer will save energy, improve performance, and minimize fire hazards. Thanks and happy Holidays! 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. 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. Termination of dryer venting must be to the exterior with a proper hood or roof cap equipped with a backdraft damper. To make a long story short, the foil dryer vent did in fact collect lint as others have stated, and the actual opening in the 4 inch dryer vent line was down to about 1 1/2 inches! I read the on-line manual for the gas dryer and it says to use a solid metal or flexible metal vent hose. Aluminum foil bends and forms ridges naturally, making its interior finish far from smooth. ducting Equally importantly, dryer venting systems remove the hot, moist air and the carbon monoxide that is generated from combustion of natural gas. Do not use rivets or screws in the joints or anywhere else in the duct as these will encourage lint collection. ducting hose flexible It also is less likely to sag and therefore is less likely to have lint and water buildups. Does Rit Dye Remover take out cat urine stains out of fabric. Dundas JafinesBTD48is ideal for an easy installation and piece of mind. Then we connect it to the remaining lengths of pipe (that are already mounted to the wall/vent)by tilting the lengths sideways until we can fit them 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. 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). However, the dryer itself and its exhaust produce much more extreme heat, which is not comfortable in the slightest. Using white vinyl transition ducts will void most dryer warranties. FALSE This is a common misconception. However, some dryer manufacturers dont allow them because theyre highly flammable. If you suspect clogged or partially clogged exhaust ducting, it is likely you need to have them cleaned. 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. White vinyl spiral ducts are still found in many homes, but are not UL approved for clothes dryer transition ducts. Converting 3/4 bath to laundry/powder room. This would comply with the IRC-mandated thickness and would also be more rigid than foil. Foil ducts are easily to break than solid metal. Since the heating element can get up to 550 F, the lint would be well above its igniting temperature, and a fire would be imminent. Flexible transition hose between the dryer and the wall outlet should be either the foil type or the aluminum flexible duct (most preferred). A more constant danger is the temperature of the heating element that is inside the dryer cavity. Still more lint is caught and accumulates, which is definitely a safety risk. With the aid of a vacuum hose or shop vac, these tools should clean your vents fairly thoroughly, but in foil dryer ducts, the process becomes less thorough. ducting As well, no screws should be used to penetrate the ductwork lint can accumulate on these screws, eventually creating a blockage and fire hazard. Do not use the plastic or vinyl. 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). ducting resistant As more and more lint is caught on the ridges, they create barriers over time. All dryer ducting must be a minimum of 4" in diameter. As lint builds up, a serious fire risk develops. Water damage is not the only concern with sagging ducts. 10ft clamps hvac vent tent As well, metal ducts dont sag with accumulation of moisture, water, or lint, which obstructs air flow. When we purchased a new W/D set about a year ago, we discussed the various materials with the installer. Using white vinyl transition ducts will void most dryer warranties. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are also two voluntary sets of standards for dryer vent pipes: Both the IRC and MRC codes defer to dryer manufacturers in determining vent lengths, diameters, and number of turns. The folks who deliver your new appliances should be doing the hookup as well, unless you insist on doing it yourself. The problem is that the flexible metal hoses I have seen at Lowes, Home Depot, etc. 20inch You can find UL listed foil ducts in most hardware stores. Call us at (855) 358-1496 or use our online service request form for prompt, professional service. I would much prefer to use one because of the ease of installation. 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. For over 80 years Dundas Jafine has been providing high quality and innovative air distribution products to help solve your everyday venting issues. We give you the lowdown and which pro to call for help, Drop the paint can, step away from the brick and read this remodeling advice from people whove been there, Use this step-by-step guide to figure out what you want and how to make it happen, We made the call for your Band-Aid solutions around the house, and you delivered. Their smooth surfaces allow maximum air flow and resist lint accumulation, which contribute to fire safety. for dryer venting. Foil ducts contravene the IRC. 10ft clamps hvac vent tent Running your dryer too long not only wastes energy but can also damage your clothes. Theyre very unsafe, burn more easily than foil ducts, and are prohibited by most building codes and appliance manufacturers. Keep exhaust duct as straight and short as possible. Note: Over-the-range microwaves and Advantiums should not be installed above any range or cooktop that has a combined BTU rating over 60,000 BTUS, not including the oven/broiler BTUs. It's not precision work. It is possible that a small fire with only a small amount of lint would be able to burn out while being contained within the ducts. With dryer fires being one of the top causes of home fires, it is important to reduce the risk of dryer fires by any means possible. 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. Wish I would have read this before buying a new dryer. Cant be concealed within construction, such as passing through floors, walls, hidden spaces, etc., or be longer than 8 feet. Using the "rigid" pipe is easy. The flexibility and ridges lead to lint accumulation and greater difficulty cleaning the lint out. ventilation ducting hyfo The fire is contained for a longer period of time and smoke would slowly enter the home, indicating that a dryer fire is occurring. aluminum duct everbilt Modern dryer heating elements are very powerful and can ignite the lint accumulated inside the plastic duct and the dryer, starting a house fire. flexible 211l See why, Budget shopping and DIY spirit create folding space, smart storage and better organization for a couple and their 6 kids, If you own at least one pricey knife and have a slew of kitchen tools, youll want to read this, Check out the latest and greatest in sinks, ovens, countertop materials and more, DC Metro's Comprehensive Design & Build Firm | 5x Best of Houzz Winner, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists, What's That Sound? For maintenance and repairs to your major appliances, you can trust the factory-trained and experienced technicians at C&W Appliance Service. We appreciate your interest in Dundas Jafine and will get back to you shortly. It has a UL 2158A listing, with the same fire safety level as semi-rigid aluminum, withstanding up to 482 without catching fire. The periscope looks like it might work but also looks like it would need to be cut. 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). Comparison graphic of the port openings (round, model 425, model 350). Only rigid metal ducts, either aluminum or galvanized steel, are suitable for concealed dryer vent ducts that run inside floors, walls, and other areas before venting outside the home. Maintain & Repair Your Summer Time Ice Makers. This brush can be used manually or attached to a drill for increased power. When running the clothes dryer, be careful not to overdry. 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. With its smooth interior similar to semi-rigid ducts, DryerFlex also retains a 4-inch diameter, and doesnt capture much lint. The ridges and folds that tend to form in foil ducts are bound to trap lint, which often leads to fires. dryer aluminum 5ft flex inch foil larger duct 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? Since lint is flammable, its accumulation with the added heat from dryer exhaust makes fires a very real possibility, especially since blockage of the dryer vent can cause overheating. ducting dryer The best option, though, would be a fully rigid metal dryer duct, such as one made of galvanized sheet metal. So, the very fact that the ducts are filled with lots of flammable lint may be enough for the dangerous temperatures to be reached. (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.).