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Expert Q Ren Molnar Q&A Archive
Top > Pumps & Other Appliances > Ventilation

Question:

My 7yr old townhome that I recently purchased was built without the ductwork to connect my dryer vent inside to the exterior of the house. In the meantime, I've been venting the dryer into my attic. Winter is coming and I need to make a decision. Can I get vent my dryer from the attic to the soffit below the roof? I was told that that was a Fire hazard and/or Home safety hazard. Will it hamper the resale of the house in the future? Can you confirm if this is indeed a hazard. If so what options do I have besides drilling a hole in the roof to extend the existing ductwork.

Answer:

Venting into the attic causes a condensation problem. Each time you put a load through the dryer it puts about a gallon of water into the immediate atmosphere and you don't need nor want that. Venting it through (not to) the soffits is about your best bet. Make sure there's lots of insulation over the duct right from the attic floor to the soffit though or you'll have all kinds of condensation build-up along it.

In the interests of retaining credibility and in fairness to all, I cannot recommend prices, people nor companies for various projects. Courtesy of Ren Molnar, Construction Consultant at HomeFocus.com. I can also be reached at (613) 748-3003 and Home Focus – The Radio Show is broadcast live 8 to 10 A.M. (Ottawa, Ont. time) on Saturdays on www.cfra.com.

Remember, even if you don’t do your own work around the house have to hire someone, you put yourself at a great advantage when you can intelligently discuss a project with the various trades people.

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Remember, even if you don’t do your own work around the house have to hire someone, you put yourself at a great advantage when you can intelligently discuss a project with the various trades people.

"Ren’s Ren-O-Vations Tips"
is a monthly journal that talks everything to do with HOME OWNERSHIP & MAINTANENCE.

It is sent out in time to have it in your mailbox or on your computer by the 20th of the month – every month.

To order, simply send a cheque or money order to:
Ren,
P.O. Box 9411,
Ottawa, Ontario,
K1G 3V1

E-mail – 12 issues (1 yr.) $17.95.
Regular mail – 12 issues (1 yr.) $33.95.
(subject to change without notice)
Credit card companies take a cut from payments so we are not credit card friendly - can't justify it.
Ren’s Ren-O-Vations Tips
makes the perfect gift any time for almost everyone:
Be My Valentine, Easter, Christmas, Mothers’ Day, Fathers' Day, Birthday, Wedding, Congratulations New Home Owner(s), Thinking Of you,
Good neighbour
Ren

Answered By: Ren Molnar

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