The flexible nature and expandable configuration allow most installs to occur without any modification to the duct or the wall penetration. A pair of jumbo zip ties and you're good to go…at least for a few months until all of the internal bumps and ridges begin to clog with lint.
Most folks use clamps or metal foil tape. Metal foil tape is good at handling the heat that your dryer will produce. Connect the elbow joint if necessary to navigate any turns or go upward. Run the metal duct pipe from your dryer to the hole you've created. Avoid kinks and tight turns which can trap lint.
CAN TIES GO IN THE DRYER? Ties should not go in the dryer.
- For Small Openings: Use duct tape or foil tape to cover the opening from the dryer side. - For Larger Openings: Cut a piece of sheet metal or plywood to fit over the opening. Secure it in place with screws or heavy-duty adhesive. - Optional: For extra insulation, you can caulk around the edges to prevent air leaks.
If it's permanent, just remove the pipe and patch the wall/siding using appropriate materials. If it's temporary, you can buy a little bundle of fiberglass insulation. I'd stuff that into the pipe and then use some UL181 tape to tape up the end and/or tape closed the louvers.
If your dryer vent is blocked, all of this built-up lint can become a fire hazard. The heat from your dryer could cause the lint to combust, potentially catching your dryer and parts of your home on fire.
The flexible nature and expandable configuration allow most installs to occur without any modification to the duct or the wall penetration. A pair of jumbo zip ties and you're good to go…at least for a few months until all of the internal bumps and ridges begin to clog with lint.
Avoid using standard cable ties in HVAC applications without considering their temperature resistance. Using ties not rated for high temperatures can lead to premature degradation and failure, compromising system integrity.
Different materials used to manufacture zip ties have various temperature tolerance levels: Nylon 6.6: This is the most common material for zip ties. It generally has a temperature range of -40°F (-40°C) to 185°F (85°C). However, it can get brittle at lower temperatures.
The dryer can be damaged by zips or zipper teeth jutting out and catching the sides.
You can wash and dry neckties at home by using a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine or by cleaning the ties by hand with a mild detergent. It's recommended to air dry after washing, as tumble drying can damage the lining or fabric of the tie.
DO NOT terminate dryer vents in crawl spaces or attics. Dryer vents that terminate in crawl spaces or attics allow for moisture to deposit and encourage mold growth and health hazards.
Foil duct is held in place with dryer clamps or large hose clamps. Metal tape can also be used to secure the flexible aluminum duct, too, but clamps make it easier to remove the tubing for cleaning.
Use a screwdriver to tighten the vent clamp and give it a slight tug to ensure it's securely in place. Then, connect a second vent clamp to the opposite end of a vent hose, connecting the vent to your dryer exhaust and using a screwdriver to tighten the clamp.
Heavy duty zip ties (aka “cable ties”) usually hold between 120 and 175 pounds. Some of the strongest zip ties can handle up to 350 pounds. This is the tensile strength of zip ties, or the maximum load it can support when stretched before breaking.
Avoid Over-Tightening Zip Ties
One of the most common mistakes when using wire ties or cable ties is over-tightening. When a zip tie is too tight, it can constrict the cable, leading to internal damage.
Standard Nylon Zip Ties: Up to 185°F (85°C). Heat-Stabilized Nylon Ties: Up to 250°F (121°C). Halar and Tefzel Ties: Up to 302°F (150°C). Stainless Steel Ties: Up to 1,000°F (538°C).
Secure the dryer vent hood to the siding on the home's exterior using wood screws. For masonry homes, use appropriate anchors instead of wood screws. Caulk around the top and sides of the hood to seal it from the elements using an exterior-grade silicone caulk.
Per the requirements of the International Residential Code, Section M1502 (2009-2021 IRC), the clothes dryer exhaust duct should be a rigid or semi-rigid metal duct made of galvanized steel or galvanized aluminum with a smooth interior finish and a duct diameter of 4 inches.
Fire Hazards: Running a traditional dryer without a vent leads to dangerous lint buildup, increasing the risk of fires. Moisture Damage: Without proper ventilation, trapped humidity can encourage mold and mildew growth, affecting indoor air quality and structural integrity.