An Unbiased View of Dryer Vent Safety Factors - Blog - Miller-Hartwig Insurance
The optimum length of the exhaust duct does not consist of the shift duct. This means that vents ought to also be as straight as possible and can not be longer than 35 feet. Any 90-degree turns in the vent reduce this 35-foot number by 5 feet, considering that these turns limit airflow. A couple of exceptions exist: The IRC will accept the producer's direction, so if the maker's suggestion allows a longer exhaust vent, that's acceptable.
The IRC will enable big radius bends to be installed to minimize limitations at turns, but validating compliance requires carrying out engineering calculation in accordance with the ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook, which certainly lies beyond the scope of a General House Inspection. Exhaust ducts will terminate on the outside of the structure or shall be in accordance with the clothes dryer maker's installation instructions.
Exhaust duct terminations shall be equipped with a backdraft damper. Screens shall not be installed at the duct termination. Safe Air Duct SLC will see numerous dryer vents end in crawlspaces or attics where they deposit moisture, which can encourage the development of mold, wood decay, or other product issues. In some cases they will terminate just beneath attic ventilators.
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They must end at the outside and away from a door or window. Also, screens might be present at the duct termination and can build up lint and must be kept in mind as incorrect. The diameter of the exhaust duct will be as needed by the clothes dryer's listing and the maker's installation directions.
Transition ducts will not be hidden within building and construction. Flexible shift ducts used to link the clothes dryer to the exhaust duct system will be restricted to single lengths not to exceed 8 feet, and shall be listed and identified in accordance with UL 2158A. Required support for lengthy ducts is covered by the following area: Exhaust ducts shall be supported at periods not to exceed 12 feet and shall be protected in location.
Exhaust duct joints shall be sealed in accordance with Area M1601. 4.1 and will be mechanically attached. Ducts shall not be joined with screws or comparable fasteners that extend more than 1/8-inch into the within of the duct. Additionally, makeup air for the utility room in an amount equal to the sum in cubic feet per minute (CFM) of the clothes dryer vent fan, and of any laundry space fans, should be supplied when both fans ar