Home Garden

How to Fix Uneven Dryer Vent Holes

When replacing an outside dryer vent, you might find that the hole in the side of the house is uneven. This could be caused by a previous installer's haste in cutting the hole, or it might be damage from moisture around the edges due to water seepage. Fixing an uneven dryer vent hole is a matter of making adjustments to the new outside vent pipe. It is not possible to shrink the hole in your house, but it is possible to fix the space between the dryer vent pipe and the hole to prevent damage to your home.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Batt insulation
  • Utility knife
  • Duct tape
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Silicone caulk
  • Caulk gun
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the circumference of the pipe on the back of the outside dryer vent with a tape measure. Measure the inside depth of the hole with the tape measure.

    • 2

      Cut a piece of batt insulation to the measurements with a utility knife. Wrap the insulation around the outside dryer vent pipe, with the paper side of the insulation facing out. Tape the ends of the insulation together with duct tape.

    • 3

      Insert the outside vent pipe into the uneven hole. Press in on the insulation where necessary to allow the outside vent to install flush against the wall. The insulation fills the gap between the hole and the outside of the vent pipe.

    • 4

      Secure the outside vent to the wall with screws and a Phillips screwdriver. Using a caulk gun, apply a bead of silicone caulk around the outside vent where it meets the wall of the house. Add caulk to the top of all securing screws. The caulk prevents water from seeping into your walls and causing damage.