How To Clean Dryer Vent On Roof – Step By Step Guide

how to clean dryer vent on roof

No matter how small or big your family is, laundry is a hassle for everyone. Dyer vent is essential for any family. Nowadays, many people install dryer vents on their roofs. 

Most of them do not even realize that dryer vents need to be cleaned regularly. Otherwise, the lint buildup might reduce your dryer’s effectiveness or cause a fire. 

You must clean the dryer vent at least once per year. If you notice your clothes not drying properly or the dryer is excessively heated, it may be time to clean your vent. 

Here, we will discuss how to clean dryer vent on roof safely and effectively. Let’s get started! 

Tools you will need to clean dryer vent on roof

  • Ladder
  • flashlight
  • Lint brush
  • Dryer vent cleaning kit
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • A dry microfiber cloth
  • Screwdriver

How to clean dryer vent on roof? 

cleaning dryer vent

Where most of the dryer vents are now in the roof, it has become more challenging to clean them. You may need to clean them from the inside, but there might be issues on the roof that you can’t diagnose. That’s why if you find it difficult or have any doubts, getting professional help is recommended. 

Still, if you want to do it by yourself, here are the most simple steps that can help you to clean dryer vent on roof efficiently. 

Disconnect the Dryer

Before cleaning, ensure you have disconnected the dryer from the electrical connection. Or if you have a gas dryer, just turn off the valve. 

Clean Flex Vent

You can drag the dryer from the wall and remove the flex vent to get extra space to clean that. Now clean the flex vent if it’s dirty. There can be highly flammable lint, debris, holes, and other issues. 

Remove lint from the back of your dryer

Now you need to remove the lint from the back of the dryer. A screwdriver can be used for this task. Make sure you wear safety gloves and remove the lint from your dryer. Then clean around the opening of the flex vent at the back of your dryer. 

Remove lint from the ductwork

Next, you need to clean the lint from the ductwork. For simple cleanup, detach the duct where it attaches to the wall. Use your hands to remove the lint and direct the hose attachment toward the duct’s interior. The lint brush can be used to clean the lint from the ductwork’s aperture.

Then vacuum inside deeply while using the hose extensions. Use a dryer vent kit if the vent is quite lengthy and goes to the roof.

Clean deep inside the ductwork

With the dryer vent cleaning tool, work your way up the vent while scrubbing the sides to remove lint. Use the tool to climb as high as you can; you might need to do this more than once.

Knowing when the dryer vent cleaning tool has reached the roof is quite simple since you will hear and feel a thud. The reason for this “sudden stop” is that the dryer vent cleaning is touching the roof cover.

Reattach the vent

Now that you are done with the cleaning inspect the entire length of the vent to make sure that it is clear and free of any obstructions. If you notice any areas that are still blocked, repeat the cleaning process until the vent is fully cleared. 

Next, reconnect the vent and vent cover. To prevent leaving gaps in the ductwork where lint can escape, seal the portions using metal duct foil.

Reconnect the dryer

Readjust the dryer and re-plug it into the electrical connection. Turn on the valve for the gas dryer. Check to see if the dryer is now operating correctly. Set the air-dry setting and let it run for up to twenty minutes to see if the connections are secure enough. Additionally, it aids in clearing out any remaining material from the ductwork.

Risk of Rod Disconnection

The fact that the tools used by homeowners to clean dryer vents are made of plastic rods that attach to one another is a common issue. Unfortunately, if you clean the vent vigorously, the rods may come apart, leaving you with a tool that is stuck inside the duct.

It is recommended to secure the rod connections with duct tape as an added safety precaution to lessen this possibility.

This is not a problem because professional dryer vent cleaning professionals typically use compressed air tools or steel cables.

Indicates Your dryer vent needs to be cleaned.

There are a few common signs that indicate your dryer requires cleaning. Such as–

  • Your clothes are taking more time to dry than before
  • Requiring extra cycle to dry cloths properly
  • Cloths are warm when coming out
  • The dryer being heated excessively
  • Having a burning a smell
  • The dryer stopped working
  • Its been more than a year since the last cleaning

How Often Do I Need To Clean My Dryer Vent?

It is recommended that you should have a professional inspection and clean the dryer vents in your home at least once a year. If your home uses the dryer frequently, such as a family with many kids, you might want to think about raising that frequency to every six months. Larger families typically use the dryer more frequently, which leads to faster lint buildup and more frequent cleanings.

Conclusion

Cleaning your dryer vent on the roof is an important task to ensure that your dryer is operating safely and efficiently. By following the steps, you can effectively clean your dryer vent and reduce the risk of a dryer fire. 

If you have any queries or concerns, be sure to consult a professional for further assistance. You can schedule your dryer vents on roof with 832 services. We have been in the business of offering excellent services for more than 15 years with an excellent performance history of quality services. 

FAQs

How to clean dryer vent without going on roof?

You can clean the dryer vent from the inside, but it might not be that effective.

How often should a roof dryer vent be cleaned?

Your roof dryer must be cleaned once a year. If you have a big family or a pet, it’s recommended to clean more frequently.

Can I clean my dryer vent myself?

You can. But it can be risky and recommended to get professional help.

How do I know if my dryer vent needs cleaning?

There are a few indications that your dryer vent needs cleaning, like – the dryer being overheated, taking longer time to dry clothes, getting a burning smell, etc.