On more than 1 occasion, in the course of performing a home inspection, I will ask the homeowner when they’re having trouble with their clothes dryer and whether or not it seems to take very long to dry their clothes. The majority of times they seem surprised and inquire how I could know that. I’m told that the dryer started out alright then simply appeared to take longer and more to completely dry the clothes, plus so they’re on the brink of calling a technician or investing in a brand new appliance. Then I take them out and show them of the dangerous illness that exists and the cause of the problem… a drier vent tube that’s completely clogged with lint at the tube.

Does this condition prevent the appliance from dryer vent cleaning drying correctly, it’s a severe fire hazard. Then I demonstrate to them the reason behind that clog – a screen set up on the end of the exhaust hood. “This screen is not assumed to be there”, I let them know ,”rather than merely can it be a fire hazard, however it’s against construction code”. To make matters even worse, they tell me that they brought up the problem with their builder, also was told that the monitor is needed to keep”creatures” from entering. Just what an entirely incorrect statement. A properly installed vent will have a flap (damper) towards the end that opens when the dryer is operating and shuts when it’s away. This prevents any critter entrance.

Having an screen, of any type, on the end of the port tube is very good for just 1 thing… stopping lint from venting and inducing a clog within the entire tubing, span”. Anyone who says otherwise is ignorant to the possible danger in addition to the code. Screens shall not be installed at the duct conclusion. Ducts will not be attached installed using sheetmetal screws or other fasteners that may obstruct the flow. Clothes dryer exhaust ducts will not be connected to a gas vent connector, either gas vent or chimney. Clothes dryer exhaust ducts will not extend into or through ducts or plenums.”

There are others which are just as ignorant concerning this code requirements. On a latest stucco inspection, I’d like to observe a severely clogged port hood. I inquired the homeowner my typical question about their dryer and was told that the tube blocked frequently. That they had it washed out two before, and so were getting prepared to get it done a 3rd time. The organization they used never said the screen on the end of the tube. I’d like to think that it had been just an oversight and not conveniently overlooked for job security.

I also noticed my neighbors’ newly installed roof with a brand spanking new vent hood installed. Needless to say it was the wrong type and should not have already been employed for a clothes dryer vent. And do you know what, it was starting to clog and also the roofing company would not repair it.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates that there are 24,000 clothes dryer fires annually in the United States, amounting to $96,000,000 in estimated property damage. Deficiency of maintenance and improper installments are the leading causes, and LINT will be the leading material to ignite. These fires may also be caused by collapse of mechanical and/or electrical parts within the dryer itself, improper substances being placed to the dryer, and also insufficient airflow as a result of improper setup.

A normal inspection of your drier components and setup stuff ought to be achieved within routine homeowner maintenance. Make sure you check your dryer vent and hose hose regularly for lint accumulation, also make certain there isn’t any screen on the conclusion of the tube. In the event the tube terminates on your own roof, be certain to have an expert inspect the ending to get a screen in the event you’re uncomfortable going on the roofing.