Does anyone know if there is a code or general best practice on how far a dryer vent should be from the ground or more specifically a mulch bed?
Varies with Manufacturer of Dryer…
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I call out those louvered hoods. Dang things are always clogged.
Here is a code excerpt from 2018 IRC with GA Amendments
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Same with the Angled Hood style… damned flaps are always clogged, bent, and usually stuck open!
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I call out any vents that have less than 12 inches of clearance from grade, this is mainly due to possibility of snow covering the vent and preventing flow during the winter months, of course this ground clearance may be different for different climates zones.
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How deep does the snow get there?
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In my area of Minnesota, our annual snowfall hits just over 48 inches, so I report any vent less than 5ft (60 inches) from bare grade, which means a high percentage of homes are deficient!
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Do you see it that deep against houses? In Denver, our average is 53", but it melts between snows and the most that I’ve ever seen from a single snow is 3’. It is rare to have more than 12" on the ground at any time. Our vent discharges have to be 12" min above grade. In the mountains, many areas require 16" min.
12” is what is required around here, too. EDIT: Actually, the manufacturer’s installation instructions say 12” above grade or expected snowfall. But the local AHJ doesn’t enforce that.
But, I had my 98.6 % efficient furnace stop dead 2 or 3 times because the concentric venting was clogged/plugged. Granted, it is on the drifting lee side of the house. I had to dig it out. I’m glad I was home.
So, I switched the venting to intake and exhaust pipes and raised them to ~48”. And I haven’t had a problem since.
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Sometimes, not always, but that’s the thing… one never knows which storm will “pile up and block” the vent.
Now, considering that most venting seems to be on the leeward side of the home, drifting is a huge concern for blockage. Another equally difficult situation is our extreme low temps and wind chills, which results in heavy ice buildup from the moisture laden air (and condensate from HVAC systems).
Most every “Requirement” I have ever seen in Northern states, has called for a minimum of 12 inches above the ANTICIPATED snow levels for the area.
도움이 되었으면 좋겠습니다.
I hope I can be of help.
International Residential Code (IRC)
IRC M1502 - Clothes Dryer Exhaust:
- IRC M1502.3 - Duct Termination:
- Dryer exhaust ducts must terminate outside the building and should be equipped with a backdraft damper. Screens shall not be installed at the duct termination.
- The exhaust duct termination should be located at least 3 feet (914 mm) from any building opening, such as windows, doors, and vents.
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