How many times do people need to be reminded about dryer vents? Never too many is the answer. There are even clever commercials now from Farmer's Insurance Group showing a 17 foot tall ball of lint and the teacher torches the ball with a flame thrower to remind viewers how flammable the dryer lint can be.
One reason there are so many of these accordion type dryer vents still being used today is that the major appliance installation companies insist on showing up to install your new dryer with a new package of flexible dryer vent. It's so much easier to just hook up a dryer 4 feet away from the wall, connect all the vents, then shove the whole mess right up against the wall. This crimps the vent, slows air flow, eventually clogging up and creating the perfect fire starting situation.
If I was buying a dryer that to be installed, I would insist on the installer using an aluminum dryer duct.
This is what a "normal installation" looks like several months later after normal use.
Check out this video I made several years ago about the aftermath of a dryer vent fire in my own neighborhood. This family ended living in a hotel from March to December waiting for their home to be repaired. They finally got back into their home just before Christmas. The video I admit is terrible, but I hope you get the picture.
Dryer vent fire video on youtube
For your family's safety, call Scott at SLS Home Inspections at 815-644-6271 to schedule your inspection.
Scott Seaton-The Home Inspector With A Heart
SLS Home Inspections @815-644-6271
Inspecting homes like yours in the Kankakee, Bourbonnais, Bradley, Illinois area since 2007.
Real Estate inspections with same day report delivery.
Mold and air quality testing.
FREE 90 day Homeowners Warranty. Included with every inspection.
FREE Sewergard protection for the first 90 days. covers up to $4000 of sewer or water main repairs.
FREE Recallchek appliance recall service. Included with every inspection.
FREE Moldsafe coverage on every inspection.
FREE Platinum Roof Protection Plan with 5 year leak repair coverage.
Visit my website at www.illinois-home-inspector.us or
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