Dryer Vent Fire Takes Home In Iowa

This home belonged to my friend who thought that just cleaning the lint trap in the dryer was enough to prevent a fire.  Nobody was home thank goodness! They were visiting friends not far from home and had left the house with the dryer on. Never leave the dryer running when you leave the house is Lesson 1 for this blog. His wife as she was crying in the Morton garage where they will have to live during the rebuilding of the house remarked "I thought I was doing everything right" And that's what I hear all the time. Have a professional like us Top Notch &The Dryer Vent Pro 515-249-6337 come out and clean and inspect your venting system

2nd Story Dryer Vents

Today I'd like to show you a common rooftop dryer vent exhaust. As you can see the vent has only a little open area to exhaust the hot air and additional lint that has bypassed the dryer system screen inside. You can also see the buildup of lint that soon turns a simple task of drying the family towels

into a dryer vent fire. Take a moment to go outside look at the vent on the roof and call us today! 515-249-6337 We are the Dryer Vent Pro's & "We Get The Lint Out"

Chimney Chase Covers

As the rainy season approaches it may be time to take a look at your fireplace chimney chase cover. To often homeowners not see the problem just assume everything is fine. Sadly this is what we find when we climb on the roof. A rusted out metal top letting water inside the wood framing and damaging the fireplace below

 But all is not lost! We at Top Notch Chimney can replace these old outdated tops with a new stainless steel top with a lifetime warranty Just call us today (515) 249-6337 or visit our website iowachimneysweep.com

Another Problem

While cleaning this customers chimney in West Des Moines today, I do like I always do walk around the house to check the dryer vent. Unsurprising this is what I found today. The home made screen the homeowner thought was keeping the birds out was also keeping the lint in and crated a fire hazard. We sell a very special vent cover that keeps the birds and animals out. Call us today 515-249-6337

Proper Dryer Maintenance

By observing a few simple indications of poor system performance, one can examine the dryer components for any blockage or excessive heat. A clogged dryer vent may be your problem if: you notice heavy clothes such as blue jeans or towels taking a long time to dry, or clothes feel hotter than usual at the end of the cycle.

Follow these few safety tips:

1. Clean the lint screen/filter before or after drying each load of clothes. If clothing is still damp at the end of a typical drying cycle or drying requires longer times than normal, this may be a sign that the screen or the exhaust duct is blocked. Inspect lint screen for rips. If any are found, replace immediately.


2. Replace plastic or foil, accordion-type ducting material with a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct. Most manufacturers specify the use of a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, which provides maximum airflow. The flexible foil type duct can more easily trap lint and is more susceptible to kinks or crushing, which can greatly reduce the airflow. Note: WHITE VINYL HOSE is prohibited and should never be used in dryer venting.


3. Disconnect, clean, and inspect the dryer duct and venting every couple of years, or hire a professional company to clean the dryer components. Some dryer vents may need more frequent inspection, such as in homes with complex construction where the dryer vents exceed 6 feet from the outside, or with smaller stack dryers and dryers that are older and do not have moisture sensors or high temperature safety limit controls. This will reduce the fire risk and increase the dryer's efficiency.



Wasp Nest Obstructing Vent
4. Inspect your outside exhaust termination. Outside wall dampers should have a covering that will keep out rain, snow, and dirt. However, do not use wire screen or cloth of any kind to protect the exhaust opening. It can collect lint and clog areas of the dryer vent. In order to deter birds and small animals from nesting in vents, make sure the dryer vent system and damper are working suitably.
   
   Note from In-O-Vate Technologies: We found this wall vent to be the most efficient, and it prohibits bird and rodent infestation.
   No Nest Vent Link


5. Keep the area around the dryer clean and free from clutter. Clean behind dryer, where lint can build up. Have a qualified service person clean the interior of the dryer chassis periodically to minimize the amount of lint accumulation.


6. Never let your clothes dryer run while you are out of the house or asleep. If it malfunctions, no one will be there to avert possible disaster.


7. Never put synthetic materials such as rubber, plastic, foam, or pieces of cloth that have been used to sponge up flammable liquids in the dryer, even if previously washed. Vapors from these products could ignite or explode.


8. Have gas-powered dryers inspected by a professional annually to ensure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.


9. Install a smoke detector in or near your laundry room. Consider installing a carbon monoxide detector if using a gas-powered dryer.


10. And, of course, monitor the exhaust conduit with a LintAlert®.

Source: Departments of Homeland Security, Consumer Product Safety Commission