SPACE SAVING DRYER VENT HOSE CODE

Semi-rigid tubing should be used for the entire duct run-dryer outlet to exhaust vent hood- only if the duct run is quite short and direct (less than 8 feet), only if it is exposed rather than hidden, and only if your local code allows such use.īest for: Any dryer vent application, hidden or exposed. This type of duct tubing has some inner corrugation and thus tends to trap some lint. While it is sometimes used for an entire exposed duct run, such use is questionable. Semi-rigid metal duct is also relatively inexpensive. Semi-rigid metal duct is often stronger and has a smoother interior (catches less lint) than foil duct. It is typically installed with clamps, which make it easier to remove for cleaning. Like foil duct tubing, semi-rigid duct tubing should be used only for the transition ducting running from the dryer outlet to the main duct, and it cannot be concealed in walls or floors. Semi-rigid metal (usually aluminum) duct tubing is flexible and similar to foil tubing but quite a bit more rigid. It is best used for the relatively short sections to join the dryer outlet to the main vent. Metal tape can also be used to secure the flexible aluminum duct, too, but clamps make it easier to remove the tubing for cleaning.Īluminum foil duct is inexpensive and relatively easy to work with, but it has ribbed walls that can trap lint, leading to potential fire hazard. Foil duct is held in place with dryer clamps or large hose clamps. Transition ducts must not be concealed inside walls or other building cavities and usually have a maximum allowed length of eight feet. Double-check to make sure that this type is approved for your dryer model and allowed by local code. It generally should not be used for the entire duct run.įoil duct can accordion from about 1 to 8 feet, which is usually enough for most installations. Made of flexible aluminum foil with an embedded spiral wire for reinforcement, this type of duct is appropriate for making the transitions from the appliance to the main rigid duct that runs to the outdoor vent hood outlet. The Spruce Home Improvement Review Boardīest for: Transition ductwork in exposed locations.

Space saving dryer vent hose