Yes, flexible metal can be cut with scissors. If you want to use this for a transition duct, first check your dryer manufacturers manual to make sure its allowed. If you suspect clogged or partially clogged exhaust ducting, it is likely you need to have them cleaned. ducting resistant vent dryer hoses ipower insulated foil aluminum non This makes fires more likely in your home. Flexible transition hose between the dryer and the wall outlet should be either the foil type or the aluminum flexible duct (most preferred). ducting dryer duct hvac ventilation 10ft exhaust I am thinking my foil flexible tubing is to blame not the dryers! Soaking Wet Clothes: Will They Ruin The Dryer? Using white vinyl transition ducts will void most dryer warranties. Categories Appliances, Dryer, HVAC, Ventilation. Clean, unobstructed, frictionless ducts encourage air flow efficiency, quickens drying times, adds longevity to clothing's life and reduces utility bills. 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. Not only do the ridges of foil ducts trap lint, but they also make it harder to remove. Do not use the plastic or vinyl. 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. vent hose The problem is that the flexible metal hoses I have seen at Lowes, Home Depot, etc. They also dont return to their original shape when squashed. Although dryers are a convenient appliance for household chores, their function comes with very real danger. The very smooth interior of the periscope duct offers very little air resistance, which increases dryer efficiency and discourages lint buildup. 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. duct foil Most importantly, feel for proper exit velocity of the air leaving the vent and look at or feel the interior walls of the duct. hvac clamps 10ft vent Accumulated lint, which often consists of cotton and perhaps wool fibers, ignites at a temperature of about 250 F. I have created a very useful comparison page. chimney range hose flexible 20inch DryerFlex 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. You can find UL listed foil ducts in most hardware stores. I recommend the DUNDAS JAFINE Heavy Gauge Dryer Vent Pipe (amazon link) for its durability and ease of installation. Unlike rigid metal ducts, whose inner surfaces are smooth, foil ducts have many ridges for lint to get stuck on. Using the "rigid" pipe is easy. This accumulation of lint can also lead to your backdraft damper flaps being stuck open and cold air rushing into your house. 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). How often is a matter of how much use your dryer gets. Here is a link that might be useful: Truths and Myths of Dryer Fires, Here is a link that might be useful: periscope vent. It's so simple. ducting Never ever use a plastic duct to vent your dryer! In the event of a dryer fire, it is best to have vents that can contain the fire so that it doesnt spread through the rest of the house. Transition ducts are flexible duct sections that connect the back of the dryer to the exhaust duct system in the wall. Moist air and lint are exhausted out of the dryer, and this moisture weighs down the lint, causing it to become stuck and accumulate. ventilation vent foil dryer hvac ducting clamps flex hose aluminum air I CAN USE A WHITE, CORRUGATED PLASTIC FLEX HOSE TO VENT MY DRYER. DRYER DUCTS DONT NEED TO BE INSULATED. Not only can lint blockage occur in the crimps and ridges of foil dryer ducts, but it can also occur where the foil ducting is sagging. This can lead to your clothes not being fully dry at the end of a cycle or other problems with your dryer function. Small orifice metal screening should not be part of the hood or roof cap as this will catch lint and block the opening in a very short time. This product has smooth, straight walls to almost fully eliminate the possibility of lint trapping. 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. The International Mechanical Code (IMC) 504 also includes extensive clothes dryer requirements. The bottom line is to avoid the foil hoses. are pliable and easy to install. 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. grow clamps 10ft houses Let us know if you liked the post. 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. Keep exhaust duct as straight and short as possible. Only aluminum foil duct tape should used for the connection fittings to prevent leaks and breaks. Dundas JafinesAluminum Snap Lock Pipeis fire resistant and easy to clean, a solid pipe. The box also completely protects the duct from being crushed and lint build-up is minimized due to the limited kinks and bends. Their rough walls restrict air flow (the 4 inch opening collapses to 3.25 inches), and clog easily with lint. Dundas JafinesProClean Drill Powered Duct Brushhelps to remove lint build up and debris in your dryer duct. Worse is the service. Although foil dryer ducts can be more lightweight and easier to install than rigid dryer ducts, their lack of rigidity makes it so that they are not compliant with the IRC. Additionally, in the case of a gas dryer, it prevents carbon monoxide from leaking into your home. 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). Their smooth surfaces allow maximum air flow and resist lint accumulation, which contribute to fire safety. I would like to use rigid vent pipe to extend 25 ft from the dryer to an outside vent. Based on the responses, I know I should use a flexible metal hose (the solid metal seems like it would take custom fabricating to get to the exact length and shape). 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. ventilation ducting hyfo ventilation 10ft Risking a fire is just not worth it. If your dryer is in the master closet, you can even pull the clothes on while they are still warm. Be the first to learn about innovative products and get tips for all your venting needs. chimney range hose flexible Aluminum foil quickly disintegrates in a fire, meaning that the fire is no longer contained within the ducts. Flexible metal has tiny ripples so there is minimal wind turbulence. 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. DRYER VENTS DONT NEED CLEANING. Sad to leave this home, but excited about decorating our new one. 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. ducting hose flexible 10ft dryer The requirements for transition ducts are as follows: As well, dryer manufacturers that allow foil ducts specify in their installation manuals and warranty requirements that foil-type flexible ducts must comply with UL 2158A. blockage of the dryer vent can cause overheating, dangers associated with broken dryer ducts. The best option, though, would be a fully rigid metal dryer duct, such as one made of galvanized sheet metal. More Dryer Vent Cleaning information can be found. Look in your Yellow Pages under Duct Cleaning or search the Internet. The metal material also resists crushing and is a safer choice to prevent and contain fires. It may seem like a somewhat easy fix to the accumulation of lint in your dryer vents would just be to clean the vents more often. All dryer ducting must be a minimum of 4" in diameter. Should not cost anything more. are all longer than the distance from the dryer vent connection to the wall connection (in their unexpanded form). While rigid metal ducts are fairly well-suited for containing fires, foil ducting certainly isnt. 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. ducting For over 80 years Dundas Jafine has been providing high quality and innovative air distribution products to help solve your everyday venting issues. Don't be fooled into thinking it's more complicated than it is. I will take the foil vent back to the store and get either a flexible metal one or maybe a periscope. dryer aluminum 5ft flex inch foil larger duct It is as flexible as foil, and easy to install, yet crush-resistant. 24 to 45 inches), and can be installed horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. 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. The use of the white vinyl flex pipe is all but completely prohibited, both by building departments and appliance manufacturers. are not UL approved for clothes dryer transition ducts. For maintenance and repairs to your major appliances, you can trust the factory-trained and experienced technicians at C&W Appliance Service. 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. The metal material also resists crushing and is a safer choice to prevent and contain fires. 28 gauge).. has adopted both the International Residential Code and the International Mechanical Code (2015 editions). 24 to 45 inches), and can be installed horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. Look for birds nest or clogged openings. https://dundasjafine.com/is-your-dryer-a-fire-hazard/#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20sources%20of,temperatures%20of%20250%C2%B0F. 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? The very smooth interior of the periscope duct offers very little air resistance, which increases dryer efficiency and discourages lint buildup. However, the dryer itself and its exhaust produce much more extreme heat, which is not comfortable in the slightest. This means that a cleaning session for foil ducts would not have the same results as in smooth ducts. If you want to use this for a transition duct, first check your dryer manufacturers manual to make sure its allowed. In the United States, most home inspectors refer to the, International Residential Code (IRC) M1502. This leads to lint getting caught and accumulating, which can be very dangerous because of how flammable lint is. Cheap and effective too. Dundas JafinesBTD48is ideal for an easy installation and piece of mind. This product will reduce heat and cool loss and condensation build-up. Using white vinyl transition ducts will void most dryer warranties. 10ft dryer 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. You only need about 2-1/2 inches behind your dryer for these these types of duct. Do not use rivets or screws in the joints or anywhere else in the duct as these will encourage lint collection. dryer aluminum 5ft flex inch foil larger duct 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. Good luck! Particularly since I need to keep the dryer as close to the back wall as possible because of limited depth in the room. vent dryer hoses ipower insulated foil aluminum non Remember, if there ever was a fire, metal hoses will not melt and spread the fire like foil and plastic WILL. , there are also two voluntary sets of standards for dryer vent pipes: Underwriters Laboratories standard UL 2158, Electric Clothes Dryers for electric dryers. aluminum duct everbilt 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. When buying a semi-rigid duct, make sure you get a UL listed one, as some are non-listed. duct hvac ventilation 10ft exhaust Dryer vent cleaning improves the safety and efficiency and depending on the venting circumstances, should be cleaned or inspected every 6-12 months. We have made the plunge and purchased a home in southern Utah. Of course, one of the pipes may have to be cut to the correct length. Every cycle, this happens again and again eventually coating the inside of the hose. A better duct choice would be a semi-rigid metal dryer duct. 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. Your dryer function can be impaired by water accumulation as well as blockage of airflow through the dryer ducts. Maintain & Repair Your Summer Time Ice Makers. Foil dryer ducts are praised for their maneuverability as well as their light weight, but they are certainly not without their limitations, some of which have serious safety implications, especially in dryers. Some homeowners are familiar with this silver tubing at the back of the dryer that looks like a giant slinky. Theyre very unsafe, burn more easily than foil ducts, and are prohibited by most building codes and appliance manufacturers. Remember that only ducts 8 feet or less can be UL listed and marked. (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.). This means less warning time and more imminent danger. It also is less likely to sag and therefore is less likely to have lint and water buildups. 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. When the duct is kinked or crushed as the dryer vibrates against the wall over time (or is pushed), the air flow is restricted even further, building up heat and creating a potential fire hazard. United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. The smooth interior finish means that foil dryer ducts do not comply with the regulations of the IRC. flexible foil dryer vent aluminum clothes duct tube larger 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. Exhaust systems longer than the manufacturer's recommendations can extend drying times, affect appliance operation and may encourage lint build-up on pipe lining. Termination of dryer venting must be to the exterior with a proper hood or roof cap equipped with a backdraft damper. Flat out DON'T USE those cheap foil or plastic hoses. Fortunately we never had a fire. We have the bottom elbow and the first length of pipe connected to the dryer vent outlet,and held in place somehow while we slide the dryer into position. The service company could not get ahold of their regional rep to update the programing on their service equipment for WEEKS. Joints should be secured with metal tape (not duct tape). BEST : Fire proof and easy to clean, a 4-inch fire proof aluminum pipe is the preferred venting option for optimum performance. This is certainly not something I expected from a supposedly high-end company / appliances. The hood opening should point down and exhibit 12 inches of clearance between the bottom of the hood and the ground or other obstruction. 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. Bumps and thumps might be driving you crazy, but they also might mean big trouble. They also dont return to their original shape when squashed. Modern dryer heating elements are very powerful and can ignite the lint accumulated inside the plastic duct and the dryer, starting a house fire. Houzz Pro: One simple solution for contractors and design pros, A green tree frog at the fireplace exhaust drives me crazy!!! Here's how you are making what's broken work again, The Hardworking Home: A look at the most popular laundry photos in 2014 hints that dog beds, drying racks and stackable units will be key, Houzzers from around the world share their tips for transforming housework into childs play, Of all the laundry room photos uploaded to Houzz so far in 2016, these are the most popular. 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. You can cut it with a tin snips or a heavy scissor even. I have a new Whirlpool Cabrio W&D scheduled for delivery next week. We appreciate your interest in Dundas Jafine and will get back to you shortly. As soon as the fire becomes larger with more lint to use as fuel, the integrity of the ducts becomes important. You can find UL listed foil ducts in most hardware stores. duct ducting dryer ducting resistant duct 10ft foil However, some dryer manufacturers dont allow them because theyre highly flammable. flexible 211l Duct joints shall be installed so that the male end of the duct points in the direction of the airflow. aluminum duct everbilt FALSE This is a common misconception. 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. vent hose We recommend using an automatic setting, such as "less dry" rather than a timed setting. Dryer vent cleaning is a very real commercial trade and the contracted work is sometimes described as Routine and Problem Cleaning. regus_patoff gave a good description and that's essentially how I did mine. A typical family household should consider cleaning it every six months. What is the problem with foil vent hoses that would make Whirlpool specifically state that they should not be used? Wish I would have read this before buying a new dryer. 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. Periscope or Slim ducts are rigid, aluminum ducts that telescope to extend their lengths (e.g. White vinyl spiral ducts are still found in many homes, but are not UL approved for clothes dryer transition ducts. For foil ducts, though, a large enough fire would quickly disintegrate the ducts, making the fire spread faster. I can personally state that we had the foil type dryer vent in our house (built in 1982) and it functioned normally for nearly 20 years and then the dryer started taking longer and longer to dry a load. Converting 3/4 bath to laundry/powder room. It is likely that the ducts will still contain lint that is difficult to remove, leading to more lint accumulating in these uncleaned areas. Call us at (855) 358-1496 or use our online service request form for prompt, professional service. I bought a new dryer (Roper,super capicity, whirlpool econmy version) and it took 2 hrs to dry my clothes. https://dryerbox.com/what-causes-dryer-fires. Still more lint is caught and accumulates, which is definitely a safety risk. 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. Only flexible ductwork listed, labeled, and in compliance with UL 2158A can be used. It has a UL 2158A listing, with the same fire safety level as semi-rigid aluminum, withstanding up to 482 without catching fire. Thanks and happy Holidays! If the dryer overheats and the lint catches fire, the foil duct wont contain it. In the United States, most home inspectors refer to the International Residential Code (IRC) M1502 for dryer venting. It blows air 360 degrees backwards, blasting the lint loose and blowing it outside. I haven't measured exactly because the dryer has not been delivered yet, but I probably need around 12"-15" of length. BTW, the flexible metal vent is sufficiently flexible to be able to pull the dryer forward to vacuum around it, etc. Foil Dryer Ducts Are Not Compliant With the IRC, Harder to Clean When Ducting Isnt Smooth. ducting dryer They disconnect and pull the dryer out, install a large blower on the vent, and blow, brush, vacuum and/or dismantle - whatever it takes to get the vent clean. ventilation 10ft However, some dryer manufacturers dont allow them because theyre highly flammable. I've had a broken oven for over 3 months (an over-heated and cooked circuit board that controls the oven. The lint is caught in a special bag. Theyre harder to work with, however, because they crush easily, and are tough to bend in tight areas. The. 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. The sagging of foil ducting is made worse by the fact that lint, as well as water, often accumulate here. Clean lint filters regularly. A more constant danger is the temperature of the heating element that is inside the dryer cavity. The importance of proper dryer venting can scarcely be overstated. The 66" from the floor dimension will allow approximately 13"-16" between the cooktop and the bottom front of the microwave. Thats the only way we can improve. Look for a product that is constructed from heavy duty, fire resistant aluminum foil with a high density, corrosion resistant wire helix. They have a wide rectangular shape, except for the two ends where they make 90-degree connections to the dryer and vent. Although some foil ducts may comply with this, it is likely that they wont, since they are often significantly thinner than standard metal ducts. Humid air would then introduce water to the lint, which weighs it down. With its smooth interior similar to semi-rigid ducts, DryerFlex also retains a 4-inch diameter, and doesnt capture much lint. Learn what you can do to prevent dryer fires in your home with the help of our ProClean products. Accumulated water in your dryer ducting can lead to water leaks since this type of ducting isnt made to prevent leaks of liquid water. Foil ducts are easily to break than solid metal. Although rigid metal ducts cannot contain a very large fire for very long, they can certainly give you more time to evacuate your home and call emergency services. flexible 211l The flexibility and ridges lead to lint accumulation and greater difficulty cleaning the lint out. Because rigid metal cant be bent, elbow fittings are used to make 45- or 90-degree bends. Foil dryer ducts arent safe. Dryer venting systems are meant to safely carry lint (highly flammable particles of clothing) that gets past the lint filter. It has a UL 2158A listing, with the same fire safety level as semi-rigid aluminum, withstanding up to 482 without catching fire.