How to Install a New Clothes Dryer Vent to the Outside of a House

Clothes dryer vents mount to exterior surfaces of the home and exhaust the heat, moisture and lint the dryers produce. You generally install a vent on an exterior wall, but in some cases direct it through the ceiling and mount the vent on the roof. Vents are generally similar. They have flaps that remain closed when dryers are off but open to allow the exhaust to escape when dryers are running. The closed flap helps to prevent insects from entering.

Things You'll Need

• Stud finder
• Dryer vent kit
• Drill
• Drill bits
• Masonry drill bits
• Jigsaw or reciprocating saw
• 4 1/4-inch hole saw
• Cold chisel
• Wood screws or concrete anchors
• Flexible or metal dryer duct
• Duct clamps
• Set of screwdrivers
• Plastic zip ties

Instructions

1. Determine the mounting location of the dryer vent. If the clothes dryer does not sit on an exterior wall, you'll need to run the exhaust tube along the ceiling or next to the wall. The vent might have to mount on the roof in some applications.

2. Mark the mounting location for the dryer vent tube on the inside. It is important to locate the vent between wall studs or furring strips for ease of installation. Use a stud finder to locate the studs, furring strips, plumbing and any electrical wiring. With a pencil, trace the outline of the dryer vent's metal tube that will pass through the wall.

3. Drill a hole through the center of the duct's outline all the way through to the outside. If the exterior wall is brick or concrete block, you'll need a masonry bit. Use a jigsaw, reciprocating saw or the 4 1/4-inch hole saw bit and drill to cut the hole on the inside of the wall following the dryer vent tube's outline.

4. Transfer the dryer vent tube's outline to the outside of the wall. Center the tube over the hole drilled in Step 3 on the exterior wall and trace its outline. Use the jigsaw or reciprocating saw and cut the outline. If the wall is brick or concrete, use a cold chisel to remove it. Drilling small holes around the outline with a 1/4-inch masonry bit and hammer drill will simplify this task.

5. Use the 4 1/4-inch hole saw bit to drill through any substrate wood sheathing that might exist behind the block. Insert the dryer vent's trim ring on the outside opening and insert the dryer vent through to the inside of the building. Mount the vent to the wall using wood screws or concrete anchors if applicable.

6. Connect the flexible dryer duct, or the metal dryer duct if applicable, to the dryer and dryer vent tube using duct clamps that tighten with a screwdriver or plastic zip ties.

Tips & Warnings

• Note locations of electrical wires before cutting the holes to avoid damage or injury.

• Keep the dryer lint filter and dryer vent duct clean to reduce the chance of a lint fire.

• Use caution and wear safety glasses when working with power tools.

References

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