Using the proper materials for your dryer vent is important as it affects health, safety, and dryer efficiency. As can be seen in the video, we encountered a dryer vent that incorporated a long stretch of ridged, flexible, foil tubing. The ridges in the tubing promote blockages as they collect dryer lint and debris, and the flexible nature of the material allows low points in the vent line where lint also collects. When lint gathers and hinders the airflow, heat from the dryer can cause it to ignite, resulting in a fire. Lint is highly flammable, but so is the foil tubing that was being used for the vent line, so, if a fire did start there, it is likely that it would have quickly spread to the rest of the house.
As seen in the latter half of the video, we replaced the foil tubing with a rigid, smooth vent pipe, bringing the dryer vent system up to code. A properly installed dryer vent system, and the recommended annual cleanings, improve home safety, dryer efficiency, and help prevent other health risks such as mold growth.
