I have done some searching on this site (I just love the search engine) and found some references commenting that the flexible, wire supported, (probably) vinyl tubing does not meet codes. Can you find some actual references to this? I got into a discussion (friendly, really) with our local hardware store about this. He really doesn’t want to sell the vinyl stuff, but the chain offers it and his customers want it (it’s cheap).
He showed me another product–an aluminized “seven-layer” material (probably mylar-related) that looks like the crinkled aluminum stuff. I still think this is the wrong material.
How about actual crinkled aluminum (you know–that stretchable stuff) instead of rigid piping?
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Go rigid. Go rigid. Go rigid. Go rigid.
I don't think you'll be able to find any sources that actually recommend the cheapo vinyl-covered slinky duct. (there's a difference between selling it and recommending it).
Your hardware store guy is right on. Sell quality and peace-of-mind, not price.
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5022.html
Whether or not the vinyl stuff meets code, it's very ill-advised to use it, since it clogs very fast. The flexible metal stuff is probably a little better, but not much. Rigid is the way to go if at all possible.
Even with rigid, you need to leave some provision for cleaning the vent -- don't imbed long sections or elbows in the wall.
John, the following is from the International Mechanical Code, which is in effect in the area where I live and work. It is, by reference, part of the International Building Code and the International Residential Code. This is a very unambiguous Code section.
504.6 Domestic Clothes Dryer Ducts. "Exhaust ducts for domestic clothes dryers shall be contructed of metal and shall have a smooth interior finish. The exhaust duct shall be a minimum of 4" in diameter. The entire exhaust system shall be supported and secured in place. The male end of the duct at overlap shall extend in the direction of airflow. Clothes dryer transition ducts used to connect the appliance to the exhaust duct system shall be limited to single lengths not to exceed 8 feet and shall be listed and labeled for the application. Transition ducts shall not be concealed within construction."
>>Can you find some actual references to this?
Yeah, the product box - read it: "Not intended for venting dryers,"
It's a fire hazard. (Call you local firehouse and ask)
And it makes your dryer work harder and take only to dry.
All for a few $$ and a few minutes saved installation time.
What we used to call "Penny smart, dollar dumb."
“Experience doesn’t bring wisdom, experience evaluation does. When you fail, stay down there for a while and figure out what went wrong. Don’t run away from your failures, evaluate them and learn from them.”
Dr. John C. Maxwell