A dryer vent comprises a tube through which the dryer expends humid air to the outside when drying clothes. This article discusses the best materials for dryer vents.
Aluminum Foil Duct
An aluminum foil duct is made of adjustable aluminum foil and a spiral wire embedded into the foil for reinforcement. An aluminum duct is suitable for transition ductwork installed in areas that are exposed to outdoor elements. It’s mainly used to transition the ductwork from the dryer to the central inflexible duct running to the vent hood outlet outdoors.
Most installations require about 1-8 feet of aluminum foil duct. Check your local codes to ensure you can use your preferred model of aluminum foil duct. Transition ductwork shouldn’t be concealed inside your walls or cavity, and the maximum length of your aluminum foil ductwork for transition shouldn’t exceed 8 feet.
Slim Duct
Also referred to as a periscope duct, a slim duct is the telescoping narrow aluminum tube used for transitioning ductwork in close-fitting spaces in your building. The two ends that connect to the dryer and the vent exhaust have round collars, while the rest of the duct is rectangular. This duct makes it easy for the dryer to stay close to the wall, allowing you to save space in your house.
The ideal length of a slim duct is 27 inches and 48 inches. This dryer vent duct is adaptable to horizontal, diagonal, and vertical installations, and it’s perfect for houses where wall clearance is an issue.
Rigid Metal Duct
A metal duct is ideal for concealed and exposed dryer vent applications and this type of duct is the only safe material for hidden dryer duct installations. So, if your ductwork runs through the walls, floor, or other sealed areas, you should use rigid metal ducts. These ducts are made of two common metals: galvanized steel and aluminum.
The interior of a metal duct is very smooth, allowing hot air to flow outside without friction. It also doesn’t catch a lot of lint like other ducts, thus reducing cases of clogged dryer vents. But it’s pretty expensive to install.