As a homeowner, you certainly don’t want your dryer to become less efficient, your utility bills to increase, or your roof to be prone to fires. These are all risks of dirty and clogged dryer vents, but how do you clean them?
This task is a bit complex, but we’ll help you out. At Viking Contractors LLC, we have the expertise to get the job done right. Contact us for a dryer vent inspection, cleaning, or restoration.
Can You Clean Your Roof Dryer Vent Yourself?
It’s possible to DIY this project, especially if you know what you’re doing and have a vent cleaning kit. Typically, it can help you cut costs.
However, if you don’t know how to clean roof dryer vents, we strongly advise you to hire a professional for several reasons. For one, it’s safer since they’re well-equipped to climb your roof. They have the designated tools for the job and the experience to use them.
Of course, there’s the impressive quality of professional cleaning. Contractors also handle the hoses and dryer vents with care, protecting these delicate parts from costly damages. Finally, hiring professionals means you can get extra services, including:
- Air Duct Cleaning: Do you need professionals to remove dirt and dust? If you haven’t done so in three to five years, we recommend doing so for improved indoor air quality.
- Vent inspection: This service ensures there’s no blockage or damage. Although usually included in dryer vent cleaning quotes, it might be an added service.
- Bird Guard Installation: Installing a bird guard outside a dryer vent pipe prevents birds, mice, squirrels, and pests from entering the pipe and building nests inside.
- Disinfectant Foggers: Experts can apply a disinfectant fogging solution to minimize bacteria and mold growth in the dryer.
- Lint Alert Monitor Installation: A lint alert monitoring system uses the airflow and temperature to detect when your vent is clogged or hot, triggering an alarm and signaling that you may need dryer vent cleaning.
Dryer Vent Cleaning Process
Understanding the roof dryer cleaning process will help you decide whether you should DIY it or hire a professional.
Step 1: Unplug the Dryer
Your expert cuts power to the clothes dryer by unplugging it. This way, they don’t run the risk of getting shocked. And if your dryer is gas-powered, they turn the gas valve off to prevent gas leaks.
Step 2: Disconnect the Dryer Duct
The roofer disconnects the dryer duct from the dryer’s back. They may use a screwdriver to unscrew the clamps or metal tape, called a vent hose. They’ll loosen it enough to enable free movement, detach the dryer hose, and prevent damage to the dryer vents.
Step 3: Clean the Duct Interior
Now, cleaning experts use dryer vent cleaning tools on the vent inside the wall to suck its debris and lint. DIY cleaning involves using a dryer vent cleaning tool with interconnected plastic rods. Unfortunately, these rods may get stuck in the duct.
Instead, professionals use compressed air tools or steel cables, preventing this issue and accessing the debris way up the duct.
Step 4: Remove the Debris
The cleaning will drive lint to the bottom of the duct. So, cleaning experts reach inside to remove it via a multi-sided brush and telescopic pole with adjustable length. Then, they sweep up the debris and lint residue.
Step 5: Clean the Exterior Vent and Cover
Since your exterior vent is on the roof (not the floor), it’ll be difficult for you to reach it. However, a professional contractor can climb your roof safely to access it.
They remove, clean, and inspect the vent cover. This way, leftover debris won’t build up, causing clogs. Also, they use compressed air tools or else on the other side of the roof vent. Then, lint and debris will cascade down the vent, and they can, once again, remove it.
Step 6: Reassemble the Pieces
With the job done, your contractor puts the duct and vent cover back in place. Then, they get down from the roof, secure the vent hose to the wall and dryer, turn the gas valve on if you have one, and replug the dryer.
Step 7: Perform a Test Run
To ensure the cleaning is up to par, a contractor may turn on the dryer. If they detect a strong airflow, that’s a job well done. If not, they repeat the process to get rid of any clogs.
Final Verdict
In understanding how to clean a roof dryer vent, you must clean different parts: the dryer duct and vent exterior and cover. It’s best to leave this process to professional contractors, as they have specialized tools, exercise safety precautions, and are experienced in roof dryer vent cleaning.
Indeed, our industry experience and professional knowledge enable us to identify, evaluate, and provide full-service maintenance for your roof vent. Contact us today, and you’ll find a Viking Contractors LLC expert ready to assist you.
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