Can you use duct tape on dryer vents? After all, the name of duct tape does seem like you can use this widely available and applicable tape anywhere, especially your ducts. However, that isn’t the case. Duct tape is excellent for many situations, such as patching a hole or connecting two items.
When sealing your dryer vent or attaching it to the wall, duct tape is not the best option. In fact, duct tape can cause serious fire hazards and safety risks. That is why Fresh Air Duct Cleaning does not recommend duct tape for your dryer vents.
Can you use duct tape on dryer vents?
No! Do not use duct tape to seal a hole in your dryer vent or connect it to the wall or for any other reason. Duct tape should also not be used on your air ducts. Duct tape is a common household item but poses a serious threat to the safety and health of your home when used on dryer vents.
The Problems With Duct Tape
There are many problems associated with the use of duct tape on your dryer vent or even air ducts. The first is the adhesive of the duct tape. Nothing lasts forever, and that certainly applies to duct tape. When used on dryer vents, the tape’s adhesive will dry out from the fluctuating temperatures.
Eventually, the tape will dry and begin to fall off. This causes hot hair to billow out of the duct and poses a safety risk for your home. Furthermore, the tape can heat up enough to catch fire. When the tape is dried out, it turns to tinder which could easily start a house fire.
Another issue with using duct tape on your air ducts or dryer vents is the access you have to your ducts. Modern appliances and ducts are embedded into the walls, ceilings, and floors, making them difficult to reach. That said, you will have a harder time trying to reach the ductwork to seal a hole. It is best to have a professional company handle any necessary air duct repairs.
Finally, the greatest issue is with those with gas appliances. Clothes dryers powered by gas can produce carbon monoxide. This gas is colorless, odorless, and toxic. When the vent is carrying this harmful gas out of your home, it could potentially spill out into the home from rips, tears, or cracks in the ductwork. Duct tape is not the best way to seal these ducts because it isn’t built to last.
How do you seal a dryer vent?
Instead of using duct tape for sealing your ducts, use foil tape. Foil tape is metal tape with much higher durability. Not only will it resist heat and fire, but it’s also crack-resistant. This is an essential quality you need if you have gas appliances. You can find a variety of different foil tapes at your local hardware store.
Contact Fresh Air Duct Cleaning
If you need to seal your air ducts or dryer vent, contact Fresh Air Duct Cleaning. We perform air duct repairs and dryer vent repairs for homeowners in the Greater Dallas Area. Our team is always helping homeowners live safer and healthier lives in the comfort of their own homes.
Let our team assist you with your air ducts or dryer vents. Give us a call today at (214) 272-9715, or visit our contact us page to fill out the form. You should also visit our dryer vent repair and air duct repair services page to learn more about our services. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) knows how important the care for your dryer vents is, so do not neglect them!