A clothes dryer generates considerable humidity when it tumbles the moisture out of wet clothes. Now while we may welcome the additional warmth in winter initially, we soon realize we need to vent it away to avoid causing mold and damp in the house.

We want the shortest, straightest run of vent pipe possible to optimise efficiency of the system. Ideally this means locating the dryer against an outside wall, and exhausting the warm, moist air directly outside.

Sometimes the shortest, most direct – and perhaps only – route is straight up through the roof. You’ll need a roofing expert to tidy up and waterproof afterwards. Find a specialist who knows the potential trouble spots to watch.

Potential Trouble Spots to Watch for

1… A dryer vent passing through a roof needs a pathway to release the warm, humid air smoothly, and the lint from the clothes. If this does not occur correctly then moisture damage may occur, even an augmented chance of fire. Choose a purpose-made dryer roof vent.

2… There’s likely to still be a gradual accumulation of lint over time, and this must be removed regularly to maintain the airflow, and manage the fire risk. Locate the pipe exhaust where you can reach it easily, or diarise an inspection so you know how often to arrange a call out.

3… The vertical dryer pipe may pass through unheated roof space on its way outside. The temperature differential will cause moisture to form inside the vent and pipe, and this can run back down through the duct even into the dryer itself. Make sure the entire run is well insulated.

4… The other problem you may have is a bird, squirrel or small rodent may figure  your roof-top dryer vent has the makings of a nesting spot, or a route down into your attic. Screens can help but they also trap lint. Your best work around could be a vent with an internal damper, that closes when the dryer is not pumping.

Get a Free Quote Without Obligation

Valiant Exteriors is a small, family-run business where the owner personally plans and oversees jobs. Experience the difference by contacting Martin Straczek at (403)829-1661, or sending an email to [email protected] describing how he could help.

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Cleaning a Dryer Roof Vent: Image WikiHow BY CC 3.0