When A Dryer Vents Through The Roof

When a dryer vents through the roof.

I see it all the time, and for about 20 years now.  Dryers that vent through the roof.

To me it is not a smart installation.

And problems are inherent for any homeowner with dryers that vent through the roof.

Builders will say it isn't a problem because clogs happen right behind the dryer, don't you know.

Well, clogs might develop there, but for the most part the most dangerous place to clog is at the roof.

And that is the MOST FREQUENT place dryer vents clog.  I have dozens of photos showing completely clogged dryer vents at the roof line.

The dryer vent on this house passes through the roof just above the left side of the left window in that photo.

Look at what is outside.

Is there access to the roof from there?

No.  Unless a ladder can be put there with legs that are different lengths side to side. 

I've never seen one of those.

From outside the house the red arrow indicates where this dryer vent exits the roof.

That roof is three stories high.

Most homeowners don't have ladders that tall.

And if one hires a pro to go up there, the height demands two people to manage the ladder safely. 

That will get expensive to have the dryer vent cleaned regularly!

Here is the other problem.

Dryer vents look mostly like this.

Not only is the vent difficult to get to, it is so high and far away it is hard to see when it clogs.

This is the view you see from the ground.  With a binoculars one might get a close enough view to see it.  But even then, it's hard to tell when it needs to be cleaned.

But look at the other problem.  When it snows deeply the dryer vent is covered and blocked!

This is not a smart installation for so many reasons! 

My recommendation:  dryer vents are easily clogged and pose dangers when they do.  Thousands of dryer fires happen every year due to clogging and overheating.  I have understood that 5% of household fire deaths happen because of dryers.  So maintenance is critical!  How often do the vents need to be cleaned?  When they clog!  Typically once a year, but that depends on the family, washing habits and type of clothing most of the family wears.  Don't mess with Mother Nature.  She always wins in the end.