How to Install a Louvered Dryer Vent

Locate the closest possible spot to the dryer for the vent to exit the house. Check both sides of the wall for possible obstructions.

Use a pencil to trace the outline of the dryer vent duct pipe on the inside wall. The louver has the duct pipe attached to it.

Create a pilot hole in the center of the outline. Use a hammer to knock a hole through both sides of a cinder block wall. Look through the hole to verify that they line up in the same cell. Use a drill with a drill bit extension and a 1/4-inch drill bit to drill through a wood framed wall.

Center the louver duct over the pilot hole on the outside wall. Use a pencil to draw an outline of the duct.

Create a hole in the wall 1/2-inch larger than the outline. Use a hammer to complete the hole in a cinder block wall. Use a reciprocating saw to cut the hole in a wood-framed wall.

Use metal backed tape to secure the wall penetrating section of duct to the louver face. Never use flammable duct tape or screws for this.

Slide the dryer vent into the wall. Use a pencil to trace the outline of the vent face on the outside wall. Remove the dryer vent.

Remove any obstructions on the outside wall that prevent the vent from fitting flush against the wall. This could involve chipping away stucco with a hammer or cutting exterior siding with the reciprocating saw.

Slide the vent into the wall. Use a drill to screw the vent into place with 1-inch screws. Concrete walls will require plastic anchors. Use latex caulk to seal the edge of the vent and cover the screw heads.

Spray non-expanding foam fill into the gap around the outside of the duct that penetrates the inside wall. Slide the interior trim ring over the duct and press it into the wet foam fill. Screw the ring in place if the foam has dried or does not extend to the surface of the wall.