Dryer Vent Condensation Attic

A vertical dryer vent is typically a problem because it acts as a moisture condenser.

Dryer vent condensation attic. Some areas have laws restricting dryer vents to be hooked up through an attic as it increases the chances of a fire. The sheet metal duct is cooled by the outside air in the attic. The problem with attics the attic is usually colder than the rest of the house during the winter and that can create a problem for a dryer vent. Step 2 consider vent placement.

Another common problem with vent pipes is condensation. As a result it could condense and result in a water leak. Be careful you don t cut through any studs electrical wires or pipes in the process. The less back pressure is created by the roof vent the more efficiently the system performs.

Because the dryer vent s air seal to the outdoors cannot be made between the heated space and the unheated space the second floor ceiling natural convection in the ductwork when the dryer is not running may still convey enough water vapor to the attic ductwork to cause condensation. The hot moist air that is exhausted by the dryer has nowhere to go. When a dryer is in operation it s removing moisture and lint and venting it to the outside. However this connection is sometimes the only option in older homes.

Federal building codes for dryer vents and ducts. If your dryer is vented into a garage or through an attic condensation will be more of an issue. When metal vent pipes aren t insulated the ambient air cools the metal which condenses the moist air inside the pipe this condensation can leak through the joints in the pipe and collect in the walls or ceiling or the water can run all the way back to the dryer and show up as a puddle under the unit. When venting dryers for long distances use rigid metal pipe with as few elbows as possible.

This creates a blockage in the pipe blocking the flow of air. Most home inspectors in the united states when citing regulations pertaining to dryer venting refer to the international residential code. A blocked vent is a common cause for dryer vent leaks. Against an outside wall.

Considering that back pressure higher than 6 wci is generally recognized as inefficient you can see that venting through the roof with non dryer specific vents is immediately problematic. The warm moist air inside the vent tends to. 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.