How To Run A Dryer Vent Through The Attic

Dryer in an interior room with duct angling up through attic to roof.

How to run a dryer vent through the attic.

The length of the run should be no more than 25 feet. Length of run also reduces efficiency. Not all dryers will allow for this so be sure to check the owners manual to ensure it can be vented in this manner. Every turn increases friction loss unless you use non restrictive elbows air velocity reduction from friction loss promotes lint build up and makes the dryer work harder to completely dry each load.

Dryer vent installation can be a bit of a challenge. For dryer efficiency and safety the shortest and straightest ducting route is always best. The first step of installing a dryer vent in a new location is to map out a path for the ductwork. A dryer vent should be vented outside.

The international residential code allows you to run a dryer vent through the attic but you can t terminate it there. If venting outside isn t an option you can vent the dryer out of the attic through the roof using a special roof vent to keep rain out. If your laundry room has access to an outside wall cut a hole and install a standard dryer vent. Recently we have simply vented the dryer into the attic.

Check your manufacturer s instructions on how to install a dryer vent for longer distances. Flexible dryer hose vented to the soffit. Whether you re installing a new vent or upgrading an existing one the first step in installing dryer vents is to determine where the dryer duct will run. The route should be as short as possible but there are other guidelines to follow when venting a dryer.

Doing so would fill your attic with warm moist air that could rot the. However condensation collected in the low spots of the flexible hose. In these cases it may be necessary to vent your dryer through the attic. Be careful you don t cut through any studs electrical wires or pipes in the process.

Keep in mind these rules of thumb. But if it s running through a crawl space unheated basement attic or other unconditioned space where there s the potential for freezing then it does need to be insulated.