Cleaning Dryer Vents on Your Roof
Home maintenance is crucial for keeping the building and its features from degrading prematurely or becoming hazardous. Unfortunately, homeowners sometimes neglect key maintenance steps like cleaning dryer vents on roofs until problems arise.
If you are unsure how to clean the dryer vent on a roof or why it’s necessary, Nelson Contracting is here to help. After reading our guide on the topic below, call us at (402) 464-2418 to schedule roofing service today.
Why You Should Clean the Dryer Vent on a Roof
Cleaning a residential clothes dryer takes more than simply clearing out the appliance’s lint trap. Most people stop there, however, without considering the exhaust vent. Lint and other debris from garments can accumulate in the vent, clogging the duct.
A clog in the dryer vent produces the same problem as a full lint trap – a severe fire hazard. Lint is incredibly flammable, so the safety of your house and its residents depends on how often and how well you clean the dryer vent on the roof. Vent obstructions can also cause dangerous carbon monoxide gas to release into your house instead of flowing outdoors through the exhaust vent.
Clogs can also create a home for unwanted critters and pests. When excessive debris accumulates inside the vent, the duct exit’s hood flap will not close properly. This problem creates an opening for rodents and birds to infiltrate the house and use the lint as nesting material.
These nesting pests can venture further into your house, searching for food, leading to unsanitary conditions and property damage from their excrement and gnawing habits.
How to Clean the Dryer Vent on a Roof
Cleaning a dryer vent on a roof is a relatively simple process, but some steps may require professional attention. Here is the best way to get the job done.
- Disconnect the dryer to ensure it has no power source. Turning the machine off is for safety purposes; you do not want it to turn on while cleaning. For electric dryers, unplug the cord from the outlet. Cut off the gas supply to gas-powered dryers.
- Remove the cover over the dryer vent closest to the appliance. You may need to temporarily move the dryer to reach the vent and unscrew the lid to reveal the duct’s interior. Then, wipe the cover with a soft cloth to remove traces of dirt and lint.
- Clear out all debris using a clean cloth to remove dirt around the edges and a vacuum to remove debris too far into the duct for your hand to reach. Then, reattach the duct cover.
- Locate the vent on the roof. It will be better to contact a professional roofer to assist with this step because they have the tools and expertise to safely access the roof vent and clean it out without damaging the roof. The dryer vent on the roof has caulking to seal the cover and prevent moisture from seeping inside. The roofer must remove the caulk to get into the vent. When the roofer finishes cleaning the duct with a commercial vacuum, they will reseal the vent cover.
How Often You Should Clean the Dryer Vent
The frequency of your dryer vent cleanings depends primarily on the size of your household. A household of one or two people may not often use the dryer, requiring only an annual dryer vent cleaning. Larger families tend to use the clothes dryer more often, resulting in quicker lint buildups and more frequent cleanings.
Contact the Experts
Now that you know how to clean the dryer vent on a roof, it’s time to schedule service. Call (402) 464-2418 to reach our experts at Nelson Contracting. For more than 25 years, our professional roofers have provided exceptional roofing services to residents throughout Lincoln and Omaha, NE including roofing repairs and maintenance services.
