What is a dryer vent clog?
Dryer vents clog when clothes lint leaves the dryer. It occurs when clothes lint flows through the dryer vent and exits the structure. Dryer lint hardens when it comes into contact with moisture.
A clog can also occur when an animal such as a rodent or bird builds a nest in the vent transition.
As a result, most dryer vent clogs occur at the roof cap transition or wall transition.
Roof cap transition. Lint has hardened due to moisture. Causing severe dryer vent clog.
Squirrel nest in dryer vent wall transition
Once the roof cap or wall transition is clogged and blocked. Lint will start to back up into the wall vent.
And then into the Dryer vent hose.
(pic of dryer hose)
And Lastly into the dryer cabinet. Which consequently makes it the greatest risk of a Dryer Vent Fire!
The inside of a dryer cabinet. The lint has backed up into the cabinet.
Why is my Dryer vent clogged?
There are several reasons why dryer vents get clogged. The first and most obvious is lack of maintenance. Most people have no idea that the dryer vent in the wall of their home needs to be cleaned periodically. Another reason is that with newer construction the roof cap transition is smaller. Thus forcing the same amount of lint through a smaller opening. On top of that a screen to prevent birds and rodents from entering the dryer vent is placed in that roof cap. In addition once a small amount of lint gets stuck in the roof cap it will come into contact with moisture. Then the lint will harden and that small blockage will only get bigger.
lint removed from roof cap screen. This piece was completely covering the screen. Thus blocking all air flow.
Finally, the last reason is an improperly sealed dryer vent. When air is escaping, before it exits out the roof or wall transition, you loose pressure. Good Air Flow is the key factor to an efficient Dryer Vent System.
When Should i get my Dryer vent Cleaned.
Dryer Manufacturers such as Whirlpool recommend to have your dryer vent cleaned once a year.