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How to Caulk an Exterior Dryer Vent

Kenneth Crawford

Your dryer exhausts through the duct work in the rear of the dryer to the outside dryer vent. The exterior dryer vent consists of a hood with a small portion of aluminum pipe that fits inside the exterior wall. It is necessary to caulk an exterior dryer vent to prevent rainwater from seeping into the walls of your home. Wait for a nice day to caulk the dryer vent to allow the caulk enough time to cure and protect your exterior walls.

  1. Remove the old caulk with a putty knife. Brush the area around the seam between the dryer vent and the wall with a brush to remove leftover debris and provide a clean area for the new caulk to adhere.

  2. Tighten all the screws securing the dryer vent to the wall with a Phillips-head screwdriver.

  3. Insert a tube of silicone caulk into the caulking gun. Cut the tip of the tube at a 45-degree angle at the second line with a utility knife. Each tube has graduated cutting lines on the tip.

  4. Apply a 1/4-inch bead of caulk around the perimeter of the dryer vent where it meets the house. Ensure there are no gaps between the caulk and the dryer vent. Allow the caulk to cure for 24 hours.