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Dryer vent under deck

scottyb | Posted in Construction Techniques on June 8, 2003 05:06am

Have a dryer vent 5′ from the end of a deck that I am building.The vent is 12″-14″off the ground and the deck is 16″ off the ground.2X10 joist won’t leave much room under the deck for air to move and I’m closing off the bottom.I’m thinking really bad situation for the dryer to vent under this deck.

Can’t relocate vent from the inside without major finish work.

Can I run 5′ of insulated duct outside under the deck to vent to the outside of the deck?Anyone ever run into this?

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  1. bill_1010 | Jun 08, 2003 05:53pm | #1

    seems like you have no choice.  However if youre extending the vent i suggest ZERO bends or turns in the extension.  Also you should allow for the condensation that will form in the vent to drain.

  2. MojoMan | Jun 08, 2003 06:07pm | #2

    Is the deck frame pressure-treated? That would help. Can you make a skirt with open lattice to allow more air flow?

    Al Mollitor, Sharon MA

  3. User avater
    ProDek | Jun 08, 2003 06:14pm | #3

    We usually run the vent along the joist to the outside of the last beam run and through the pressure block. The 1-2' canerlever hides the vent cover but gets all that bad moisture away from the underside of your deck.

    Bob

    "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

    1. User avater
      scottyb | Jun 08, 2003 07:16pm | #4

      Was thinking about that.

      Lattice with welded wire on the back side should keep the critters out and make for some air flow.

      The problem I have with running duct is I will need a couple of 90's to get me under the joist and then out.Now I'm only about 5" off the ground.

      If I run it straight out with the joist,I've got a 12' run and a 4" hole in my double 2X10 header.

      Can o' worms opening up.

  4. User avater
    rjw | Jun 08, 2003 07:33pm | #5

    Dryers generally are limited to 20' run, with each 90 = 5'

    If it's a gas dryer, don't vent it under the deck - CO issues.

    _______________________

    10 .... I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful.

    11 For no one can lay any other foundation than the one we already have--Jesus Christ.

    1 Corinthians 3:10-11

    1. User avater
      scottyb | Jun 08, 2003 08:26pm | #6

      Good point about the CO2.Be like a gaschamber thing.

      What if I put a regester cover above it on the decking?

  5. User avater
    MikeS | Jun 08, 2003 10:38pm | #7

    I'd check the dryer manual for max duct length and # of elbows, some dryers have strong blowers others not so strong.

    I've heard our local inspectors want the exterior dryer vent visible so the homeowner can tell if the cap is getting plugged with lint. The reason being that if the vent gets blocked then the exhaust may get diverted to the area of the dryer and if its a gas dryer then that means CO2 inside of the house which is as you know dangerous.

    If you get snow then you might consider placing it higher than any snow depth you might expect.

    Mike
    It's O.k. to think out of the box,           Just don't walk off of the plank!
  6. Piffin | Jun 09, 2003 02:42am | #8

    I haven't done it but if I did, I would be planning to run downhill away from the house. You will get a lot of condensation in it which will run like a faucet

    .

    Excellence is its own reward!

  7. User avater
    BossHog | Jun 09, 2003 08:47pm | #9

    Where are you located?

    I would think a dryer duct run under a deck would freeze up in a cold climate in the winter. The condensation would gradually freeze up and the ice could get thick enough to block it off completely.

    Vision. Tell people you have it - Employers love that crap.

    1. User avater
      scottyb | Jun 10, 2003 12:18am | #10

      I'm in the Chicago area.It do get cold here.

      The duct under the deck idea is out because of cold conditions.

      Asked the HVAC guy on the site I'm working on about this vent thing and he didn't see any proublem with venting under the deck if I leave the bottom of the deck open.I still don't feel good about that.

      Still looking for ideas.Thanks to all!

      1. User avater
        Dinosaur | Jun 10, 2003 04:30am | #11

        Scotty--

        You will get major ice build-up on and under the deck if you vent it underneath.

        Here's a weird idea; haven't got a clue if it'll work--

        Bring it straight up through the deck about two or three feet high and box it up against the house with a louvered enclosure...?

        Dinosaur

        'Y-a-tu de la justice dans ce maudit monde?

        1. User avater
          scottyb | Jun 10, 2003 05:27am | #12

          Thought about that,Dinosaur,but again I'm adding 90's outside that will no doubt collect moisture.

          I'm thinking a re-route inside no matter what the work just so I can sleep at night.

          A clear conscience is the best pillow.

          1. User avater
            Dinosaur | Jun 10, 2003 05:49am | #13

            Instead of using 90's, get some metal flex and bend it in a large, gentle loop; seems like you've got plenty of room to do that under the deck before it comes up through. I was going to suggest boring a drainage hole at the low point, but the lint would probably clog it.

            Dinosaur

            'Y-a-tu de la justice dans ce maudit monde?

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