FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

venting a dryer

day off | Posted in General Discussion on October 8, 2009 06:29am

Any problems with venting a dryer through cement block wall? I have 1.5 foot of block above grade. Thanks.

Reply

Replies

  1. User avater
    IMERC | Oct 08, 2009 06:39pm | #1

    will it get buried with snow???

     

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

    WOW!!! What a Ride!


    Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

     

    "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

    1. jimAKAblue | Oct 08, 2009 07:46pm | #3

      The heat melts a hole through the snow.

      1. DanH | Oct 08, 2009 07:49pm | #4

        If not buried too deeply.
        As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz

        1. jimAKAblue | Oct 08, 2009 07:54pm | #5

          Imerc doesn't know what deep snow is.

          1. Scott | Oct 08, 2009 08:31pm | #6

            The dryer vent from our basement suite exits the wall about 16" above grade, and snow hasn't been an issue. Mind you, our house has 24" overhangs. YMMV.Scott.

          2. User avater
            IMERC | Oct 08, 2009 08:43pm | #8

            yur right...

            no clue... 

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!

            Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

             

            "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

          3. Piffin | Oct 08, 2009 08:57pm | #9

            Nah - his drier vent is up ten feet in the gable end 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          4. User avater
            IMERC | Oct 09, 2009 12:04am | #11

            closer to 16 feet and that is exactly where it is... 

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!

            Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

             

            "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

      2. User avater
        IMERC | Oct 08, 2009 08:43pm | #7

        and when it refreezes??? 

        Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

        WOW!!! What a Ride!

        Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

         

        "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

        1. Piffin | Oct 08, 2009 08:58pm | #10

          I read somewhere once that it should be 12" above the ground free and clear - no weeds growing up choking it of air flow 

           

          Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          1. User avater
            IMERC | Oct 09, 2009 12:05am | #12

            think I read the same...

              

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!

            Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

             

            "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

          2. day off | Oct 09, 2009 06:08am | #13

            Thanks all.

          3. junkhound | Oct 09, 2009 12:05pm | #14

            If you have a block wall basement, in MN where you need moisture in the winter, just build yourself a filter box and dump the dryer directly into the basement.

            Use a solar dryer in the summer.

          4. danski0224 | Oct 09, 2009 02:22pm | #15

            If it is a gas dryer, you are venting products of combustion, including carbon monoxide, indoors.

            UL listed CO detectors do not have to alarm until concentrations reach 200 ppm for over 2 hours. Concentrations at 15 ppm are damaging to the very young, and that damage is permanent.

            The detectors that plug into a wall are even more useless if the outlet is at the floor. CO is lighter than air, so CO won't even reach a floor level plug in detector until it is too late.

            Not a good idea.

            Edited 10/9/2009 7:27 am ET by danski0224

          5. DanH | Oct 09, 2009 03:20pm | #17

            CO is about the same density as air, not lighter or heavier. Otherwise, what you say is true.
            As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz

          6. junkhound | Oct 09, 2009 04:54pm | #18

            good point, was just thinking electric dryer 

      3. User avater
        IMERC | Oct 09, 2009 05:07pm | #19

        forgot to mention no air flow and the clothes never dry... 

        Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

        WOW!!! What a Ride!

        Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

         

        "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

        1. jimAKAblue | Oct 10, 2009 02:56am | #20

          The birds nest in our ducts and what should I do about that?

          1. User avater
            IMERC | Oct 10, 2009 03:41am | #21

            eat it...

            and have the eggs for breakfast.. 

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!

            Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

             

            "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

          2. DanH | Oct 10, 2009 05:44am | #22

            Get a vent like this:

            View Image
            As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz

          3. jimAKAblue | Oct 10, 2009 07:01am | #23

            No thanks...there's too much snow associated with that one. I dang near froze to death today...it got down into the 60's.

          4. DanH | Oct 10, 2009 07:04am | #24

            No kidding -- that style of vent (if you don't mind how ugly it is) is the best. Seals absolutely tight, yet allow free flow when open. No rattling in the wind.
            As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz

          5. User avater
            IMERC | Oct 10, 2009 07:20am | #25

            don't sweat the small stuff...

            we're hoarding it all up on the rim...

            scary quanities of it... 

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!

            Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

             

            "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

          6. Scott | Oct 11, 2009 06:18pm | #26

            >>>Get a vent like this:How's that thing work? Is there a backflow restrictor?Thanks,Scott.

          7. DanH | Oct 11, 2009 09:20pm | #27

            It consists of an elbow that diverts the flow upward. Inside the "can" is a floating cap that floats upward with airflow (resulting in very free airflow) and downward with gravity. The seal when down is nearly perfect, and wind won't "rattle" it.
            As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz

  2. DanH | Oct 08, 2009 07:38pm | #2

    I think you need to make a hole in the wall first. Otherwise, a wall is a wall. Block is actually fairly good in that moisture from the vent is unlikely to damage it (though it'll collect lint a little worse than smooth wood/metal/plastic).

    The main reason you don't see it done more is probably that it's (a little) harder to cut a hole in the block than to go up a foot and cut one through the rim. That and the need to keep the vent above the snow line, high enough to prevent rodent entry, etc.

    As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz
  3. danski0224 | Oct 09, 2009 02:33pm | #16

    No problem at all.

    Core a 4.5" hole in the block and put the vent in.

    Alternately, you could drill a 1/4" pilot hole through the block in the center of the desired opening, draw a 4.5" circle, score the outline with a chisel and then neatly chip out the block, working from both sides << edit. Very easy to do especially if you stay away from the middle and edges of the block where the reinforcement is.

    A plain old carbide tipped masonry drill bit made for plain old rotary drills will go right through cinder block. About $10 at the local hardware store.



    Edited 10/9/2009 8:25 am ET by danski0224

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Vintage Sash Windows Get an Energy-Efficient Upgrade

Low-e storm panels improve the energy efficiency of these old sash windows without changing their classic look.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Insulation for Homes in the Wildland Urban Interface
  • An Impressive Air-to-Water Heat Pump
  • From Victorian to Mid-Century Modern: How Unico Fits Any Older Home
  • Designing the Perfect Garden Gate

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Old House Journal – August 2025
    • Designing the Perfect Garden Gate
    • Old House Air-Sealing Basics
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in