r/DIY • u/Temporary_Display400 • 1d ago

help Dryer vent fire hazard?

Post image

First time home buyer and new to home improvement. There was a rather large gap (1.5 inch) around the interior dryer vent hose. I just sealed the gap with great stuff foam insulation after seeing that this is a easy fix. I even saw in the companies usage documentation that dryer vent gaps is listed.

However, I also saw that this foam is combustible at 240 degrees. And the max temps for dryer exhaust can be as high as 200 degrees. Did I just create a huge fire hazard in my new house?

0 Upvotes

40% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

6

u/ARenovator 1d ago

The fire hazard is NOT the foam. It is the flexible ductwork. According to the US Government, 15,500 fires a year are caused by either a dryer malfunction or trapped lint in the ducts.

You really should replace it with semi-rigid.

3

u/Diligent_Nature 1d ago

replace it with semi-rigid.

Better yet rigid duct. It is easy to cut with snips and has a smooth wall. A periscope type extension allows dryer placement as little as 3 inches from the wall.

1

u/SanAntonioDryerVent 1d ago

If the flex hose you have on there is for dryer vents then it should be rated for 250°. Your spray foam should be OK as well.

2

u/leahfirestar 1d ago

Just remember to clean out the lint trap every use and ones a month check the ductwork for lint build up till you are used to the amount .

When your used to it you can estimate how often the duct will. Need cleaning.

It's lint build up that a fire hazard. Some people never clean them some don't even know it's supposed to be cleaned .

I don't use a dryer as I'm to lazy to load it . Unload it then iron . I just hang my stuff on a line and take down when it's dry. I don't have to waste time ironing or cleaning lint !

1

u/troutheadtom 1d ago

Better give that another try!