Types of Dryer Vent Tubing

Dryer vent pipes, thoroughly identified as vent ducts, arrive in a assortment of components. Most dryer duct is spherical and four inches in diameter. Some are adaptable and many others are rigid. Considering the fact that all kinds are offered for use with dryers, you should the natural way presume that all are ideal for this software. Unfortunately, that is not the situation.

Vinyl duct, as well as in some circumstances, all adaptable duct, isn’t authorized by making codes. Also, dryers may possibly occur with manufacturer’s technical specs for ducting to employ using a certain product. Here are by far the most common dryer duct supplies you may perhaps use to setup a dryer vent. Most, if not all, are available at your neighborhood hardware or house enhancement retailer.

Notice: The best way to be certain a duct is secure for your personal set up will be to try to look for an item that may be shown, or certified, by a countrywide testing laboratory, such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories). Building codes often specify “listed” or “L and L” (stated and labeled) duct for all new installations.

Aluminum Foil Duct

Built of flexible aluminum foil, this is the commonest sort of dryer transition ducts – those people that hook up from the equipment into the key duct that operates to your outside. Foil duct can accordion from about a single to eight ft, which is normally more than enough for the majority of installations. Double-check to ensure that this sort is authorized for your personal dryer and permitted by local code.

Transition ducts will have to not be concealed inside of partitions or other making cavities and usually use a highest authorized size of 8 ft. Foil duct is held in place with dryer clamps or significant hose clamps. Metallic tape can be employed, much too, but clamps allow it to be much easier to get rid of the tubing for cleaning.

Semi-Rigid Steel Duct

Semi-rigid metallic (commonly aluminum) duct is flexible and just like foil ducting but a great deal a lot more rigid. Like foil duct, semi-rigid is utilized only for changeover ducting and will not be hid in partitions or flooring. It’s generally installed with clamps. Whilst semi-rigid metal duct is frequently stronger and it has a smoother inside (catches a lot less lint) than foil duct, it really is much more prevalent to seek out stated foil duct than mentioned semi-rigid.

Slim Duct

Slim duct, often identified as periscope duct or acknowledged because of the brands Tite-Fit or Skinny Duct, is actually a telescoping rigid aluminum duct created for transition ducting in limited areas. It has a large rectangular shape aside from the 2 finishes wherever it connects on the dryer as well as the vent outlet. It means that you can push the dryer extremely close for the wall.

This may be an excellent space-saver given that the dryer along with the vent are close together. Most slender ducts might be adjusted from about 27 inches to about 48 inches in length. It is actually also adaptable to vertical, horizontal, and diagonal installations.

Rigid Metal Duct

Rigid metallic duct is the only suitable duct content for hid duct installations; that is, the part with the duct operate within partitions, floors, or other parts where by the duct is not completely noticeable. Accessible in aluminum and galvanized steel, rigid steel duct is very smooth on its inside, so air flows by way of with little friction, and it catches the least total of lint of any duct product. Mainly because rigid duct cannot be bent, it is assembled with elbow fittings that allow for the duct to turn 45 or 90 levels, according to the type of elbow.

Notice: Always use metal duct tape to protected the joints; you should not use screws, for the reason that they catch lint. Don’t use standard plastic duct tape simply because it dries out and deteriorates.

Plastic or Vinyl Duct

Adaptable plastic (usually vinyl) duct is analogous to aluminum foil duct but contains a slim plastic wall instead of metal foil. Even with its popular use for most a long time, plastic duct is just not permitted by most setting up codes. The ribbed inside of versatile duct very easily catches lint. Should the duct turns into blocked with lint, the duct may become pretty sizzling and potentially catch hearth. This hazard has resulted in several residence fires. Plastic duct may be the least-safe choice, and you will not locate a mentioned solution manufactured of this substance. The bottom line is, don’t use it.

1 thought on “Types of Dryer Vent Tubing”

  1. I think this is one of the most vital info for me. And i am glad reading your article. But should remark on few general things, The web site style is perfect, the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers

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