I am going to be running the 4″ horizontal sheet metal vent for a clothes dryer and I am concerned what is the best way to attach them together. I have used the self-adhering aluminum tape but it seems to fail after a couple of years. I have also been told to use small sheet metal screws, but this I know will catch lint and be a problem. Can anyone state what is the best method is?
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Replies
Rivets(Code), then tape your joint with the aluminum tape.
Forget tape. Use worm clamps, then "paint" all of the joints with mastic. Home Cheapo doesn't carry mastic (not around here, anyway), but Blowe's has it. Goes on like paint, and doesn't fall off after a couple years like duct tape does.
The better-quality aluminum tape should generally work (regular "duct tape" is the last thing you should use). If you want it a little more secure, use just one screw or rivet per joint, placing it near the top of the pipe on horizontal runs. That will minimize lint buildup.
i don't know if you have your duct in yet but i just run 35' of 4" for a dryer. i used my propane torch,flux and solder and just tacked it with solder in three places on each joint. it went quicker than rivets by far. good luck larry
great idea
Rob Kress