Attic Dryer Vent Installation

A dryer vent should be vented outside.

Attic dryer vent installation.

The international residential code allows you to run a dryer vent through the attic but you can t terminate it there. Push foam backer rod into deep gaps then caulk all around with acrylic caulk. Drill a pilot hole so you can see exactly where the vent will go outside photo 2. Sometimes such as in town homes or condos it s not possible to vent a dryer through a wall outside.

Doing so would fill your attic with warm moist air that could rot the framing. In most cases a professional carpenter can install a dryer vent for 20 to 35 per hour. Install the vent cap. If your laundry room has access to an outside wall cut a hole and install a standard dryer vent.

Wood framed homes with vinyl or metal siding will cost less to cut into than those with stucco or log exteriors. 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. Exact price will depend on the exterior material of your home. Do not vent clothes dryers directly into the attic space.

Drill a test hole in the center of the marked circle. Typical projects can take 2 to 4 hours for a total labor charge of 40 to 140. Be careful you don t cut through any studs electrical wires or pipes in the process. You re only putting more moisture into an area where it is already going to be a problem inviting mold growth on wood surfaces and hidden mold growth in building insulation.

Dryer vent installation photo 6. In these cases it may be necessary to vent your dryer through the attic. Use a section of vent pipe to mark a circle where the opening will be from inside of your home. When installing a dryer vent for laundry centers in basement locations keep in mind that the vent hood on the exterior of your home must be at least 12 inches from the ground.