Ok so I'm no longer growing weed, but I need help. I just got a washer and dryer (use to wash cloths at my aunts) and the outside exhaust is horrible placed. I need ideas to exhaust this properly with a screen on it or something. However as I'm reading metal screens are a fire hazard. Its like 6 inches off the ground and basically under the lower part of the house over hang. Please help with any ideas.
Outsider dryer vent issue exhaust: Trying to keep out bugs/mice
- Thread starter Meast21
- Start date
compassionateExotic
Well-Known Member
That’s a frustrating setup — but fixable. Let’s walk through some smart and safe solutions for rerouting or modifying your dryer exhaust, especially since it’s low to the ground and tucked under the house overhang.
Plastic dryer vent hood w/ damper --> Elevated enclosure with screen lid (not on airflow path)
What NOT to Do:
Main Issues to Address
️
Solutions
1. Add a Dryer Vent Hood with Built-in Damper
Avoid metal mesh screens — as you read, they trap lint and can become a fire hazard. Instead, use a damper-style hood made for dryers.
Recommended brands: Lambro, Deflecto, Dundas Jafine
2. Raise the Exit Point (If Possible)
If you’re up for a small home project, you can re-route the vent a few feet higher to:
Rerouting via rigid 4” aluminum or galvanized steel ducting is ideal. Try to keep bends to a minimum.
3. Install a Lint Trap Box (Optional Add-On)
If rerouting isn’t possible and you want to be ultra-safe:
4. Guard the Outside Without Mesh
Instead of metal mesh, use:
- Build a vent protector box (small concrete paver U-shape, like a mini chimney cap) to keep water and leaves away.
- Keep screen mesh off the airflow path.
Plastic dryer vent hood w/ damper --> Elevated enclosure with screen lid (not on airflow path)
What NOT to Do:
Don’t use fine mesh or window screen over the vent.- Don’t vent it into a crawlspace or garage.
- Don’t use vinyl or foil ducting — these are dangerous and banned in many codes.
Main Issues to Address
- Lint Buildup & Fire Hazard
- Low Placement (6” off ground = risk of debris, water, pests)
- Airflow efficiency
- Pest-proofing without fire risk
️
Solutions
1. Add a Dryer Vent Hood with Built-in Damper
- Use a downward-angled hood-style vent that closes when not in use.
- Many have plastic dampers that swing open when air flows and shut otherwise.
- Keeps rain, bugs, and critters out.
- Mount it slightly elevated above grade on a brick or treated wood riser if needed.
Avoid metal mesh screens — as you read, they trap lint and can become a fire hazard. Instead, use a damper-style hood made for dryers.
Recommended brands: Lambro, Deflecto, Dundas Jafine
2. Raise the Exit Point (If Possible)
If you’re up for a small home project, you can re-route the vent a few feet higher to:
- Avoid snow, dirt, and leaf clogging.
- Gain space to install a safer, visible cover.
Rerouting via rigid 4” aluminum or galvanized steel ducting is ideal. Try to keep bends to a minimum.
3. Install a Lint Trap Box (Optional Add-On)
If rerouting isn’t possible and you want to be ultra-safe:
- Add an indoor secondary lint trap, like the Lint Trap by Dundas Jafine.
- It catches excess lint before it reaches the exterior vent.
- Clean it often.
4. Guard the Outside Without Mesh
Instead of metal mesh, use:
- Critter guards or dryer vent covers with louvers/dampers.
- These move with airflow but won’t trap lint.
- Look for ones labeled dryer safe and UL approved.
Thanks for taking you're time to try to help.. There really is no way to raise the vent higher unless I drilled a hole through my kitchen floor and sent the vent up through my cabinet. So I went to Home depot and found this vent. I'm gonna have to keep it removed of debris and snow. I will only use the washer and dryer about every 10 days as I live alone here are the pics, the vent cover is removable and slides back in. Also has a flap that opens only when the dryer is on. I put the zip ties on around the bigger holes. Not sure if mice can chew through this, but if something does at least I will know.That’s a frustrating setup — but fixable. Let’s walk through some smart and safe solutions for rerouting or modifying your dryer exhaust, especially since it’s low to the ground and tucked under the house overhang.
Dryer --> 4" rigid aluminum duct --> Wall penetration (low) -->
- Build a vent protector box (small concrete paver U-shape, like a mini chimney cap) to keep water and leaves away.
- Keep screen mesh off the airflow path.
Plastic dryer vent hood w/ damper --> Elevated enclosure with screen lid (not on airflow path)
What NOT to Do:
Main Issues to Address
- Lint Buildup & Fire Hazard
- Low Placement (6” off ground = risk of debris, water, pests)
- Airflow efficiency
- Pest-proofing without fire risk
️
Solutions
1. Add a Dryer Vent Hood with Built-in Damper
- Use a downward-angled hood-style vent that closes when not in use.
- Many have plastic dampers that swing open when air flows and shut otherwise.
- Keeps rain, bugs, and critters out.
- Mount it slightly elevated above grade on a brick or treated wood riser if needed.
Avoid metal mesh screens — as you read, they trap lint and can become a fire hazard. Instead, use a damper-style hood made for dryers.
Recommended brands: Lambro, Deflecto, Dundas Jafine
2. Raise the Exit Point (If Possible)
If you’re up for a small home project, you can re-route the vent a few feet higher to:
- Avoid snow, dirt, and leaf clogging.
- Gain space to install a safer, visible cover.
Rerouting via rigid 4” aluminum or galvanized steel ducting is ideal. Try to keep bends to a minimum.
3. Install a Lint Trap Box (Optional Add-On)
If rerouting isn’t possible and you want to be ultra-safe:
- Add an indoor secondary lint trap, like the Lint Trap by Dundas Jafine.
- It catches excess lint before it reaches the exterior vent.
- Clean it often.
4. Guard the Outside Without Mesh
Instead of metal mesh, use:
- Critter guards or dryer vent covers with louvers/dampers.
- These move with airflow but won’t trap lint.
- Look for ones labeled dryer safe and UL approved.
