Because the dryer vent s air seal to the outdoors cannot be made between the heated space and the unheated space the second floor ceiling natural convection in the ductwork when the dryer is not running may still convey enough water vapor to the attic ductwork to cause condensation.
Dryer vent attic condensation.
In this quick video i show you what to look for if you have condensation build up in your attic.
Check all possible entry points for water leaking from outsi.
Another common problem with vent pipes is condensation.
This creates a blockage in the pipe blocking the flow of air.
As a result it could condense and result in a water leak.
I now have to vacuum out the dryer vent sometimes weekly to remove the condensation as enough of it forms that it blocks the dryer from venting from the amount of water in the pipe.
If venting outside isn t an option you can vent the dryer out of the attic through the roof using a special roof vent to keep rain out.
The attic is usually colder than the rest of the house during the winter and that can create a problem for a dryer vent.
When venting dryers for long distances use rigid metal pipe with as few elbows as possible.
When metal vent pipes aren t insulated the ambient air cools the metal which condenses the moist air inside the pipe this condensation can leak through the joints in the pipe and collect in the walls or ceiling or the water can run all the way back to the dryer and show up as a puddle under the unit.
Some areas have laws restricting dryer vents to be hooked up through an attic as it increases the chances of a fire.
The hot moist air that is exhausted by the dryer has nowhere to go.
The longer the cold snap the more opportunity the moisture has to accumulate into frost.
The warm moist air inside the vent tends to condense on the colder walls.
Against an outside wall.
A blocked vent is a common cause for dryer vent leaks.
If your dryer is vented into a garage or through an attic condensation will be more of an issue.
Condensation in the attic is a direct result of warm humid air finding its way into the attic and then freezing in our extremely cold weather.
This can lead to problems.
Be careful you don t cut through any studs electrical wires or pipes in the process.
The water also condenses and runs back to the dryer creating a puddle underneath.
However this connection is sometimes the only option in older homes.
Stray lint and fabric may accumulate in the vent over time.
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