How to Replace an Exterior Dryer Vent

A dryer vent is necessary to vent the waste heat and water vapor from your home. Failure to vent your dryer could create unnecessary damages, such as wood rot, mold, rust and corrosion from the moisture. The exterior vent design keeps the warm, moist air from rising directly up the exterior wall and possibly penetrating your attic. It keeps unwanted pests from crawling through the duct and into your home. Replace the exterior dryer vent if it becomes damaged to continue to protect your home.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips or slotted screwdriver
• Utility knife
• Wood or masonry screws
• Tube exterior silicone caulk

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Remove the two to four screws holding the vent hood to the exterior wall. Use a utility knife to cut through any caulking around the hood and the exterior wall.

   • 2

     Pull the vent hood and attached vent duct from the wall. Slip the replacement vent hood and duct into the duct opening until the hood is flush with the wall.

   • 3

     Attach the vent hood to the exterior wall with wood or masonry screws. Run a bead of outdoor silicone caulk around the exterior of the vent hood to avoid moisture seeping behind the hood and into the wall.