Quality Dryer Vent caps

[kb0nes]

I have browsed around the local home stores and have been looking for a dryer vent cap. Every single one I have is nothing but flat out cheap junk. Nowhere was I able to find a solid, sturdy vent cap with a damper that stands any chance of actually sealing drafts... They all seem to be thin flimsy aluminum or vinyl.

Si I was just searching the Interwebs and ran across these units from Seiho. They have both 304 stainless as well as anodized aluminum designs. They appear to be quite nice, has anyone seen one of these?? I really like the domed aluminum one, its both handsome and likely quite sturdy. An order will likely be placed today. They are only about $30 which seems cheaper then I'd have guessed.

https://www.seiho.com/product/index6.html

Photo 1 is the anodized aluminum model, photo 2 is a stainless one

 

[DigAPony]

Check Sears or a Sears Hardware. They have dryer vent hoods that are a little more sturdy than what is found at the big box stores. The dampers, while on the flimsy side, do the job.

 

[yogitunes]

those look like they would really be heavy duty and stand up against wear and the elements.....

granted you would probably have to put in a back draft damper inline...although, not really sure its needed....

 

[washman]

Where can one purchase these?

I'm on my 4th BIG BOX plastic crap in 14 years!

 

[kb0nes]

Looks like a possible retail source may be

http://www.hvacquick.com/

The SFZC4 (4" clear anodized aluminum model with damper) is $29.70

They seem to have most of the models and options available. If you Google "Seiho Dryer Vent Cap" and hit the shopping tab they are all over eBay as well as other sources too.

They can be had with or without the backdraft damper.

 

[suburbanmd]

Just installed this vent cap. I paid $22.60 for it a few weeks ago, and it was worth that price. So it's really a bargain now.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009W3I4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[glenfieldmathk1]

We need a new dryer cap on ours, as the one we've got at the minute kind of blows off when the dryer is on. [The grips for the screws have worn]
I like the top one, so going to look around for something similar, but only problem is there is a sink pipe outside the touches the corner so cant have something too bulky!

 

[combo52]

New Dryer Wall Caps

As a service person I have been appalled at the cheap wall caps that are permanently installed in homes, when you consider that this part is often installed in a NEW BRICK wall that will last more than 100 years it makes no sense that the wall cap is not SS, really rugged plastic,or Copper Etc.

But unfortunately the ones you found Phil, have the lovers too close together for a clothes dryer, even the ones with 4 movable plastic lovers get clogged on a regular basses. I think the best dryer caps I have ever seen are my 30+ YO single flap Sears caps with a magnet in them, but even these are not perfect.

 

[suburbanmd]

John, the vent cap I mentioned has an upward-facing discharge, covered by a plastic cap or shuttle when the dryer is off. Start the dryer and the cap lifts clean off the opening, guided by vertical tracks. It falls back down in place when air flow stops. It's a very sturdy unit, and the reviews on Amazon are stellar.

 

[DADoES]

 
I swapped-out my flapper-hood several years ago for the kind that suburbanmd linked.  The top of mine opens for access to clean any lint accumulation in the outlet duct and interior around the shuttle.  Can't tell from the Amazon description if that one opens or not.  Only problem I've had is that the little tab that latches the top closed broke off so the lid opens from the dryer's airflow and the shuttle floats out.  I got around it by placing a rock on top from my landscaping, LOL.  I did not paint mine but perhaps should have done so, UV brittling likely contributed to the broken tab.

 

[combo52]

New Dryer Wall Caps

Suburbanmd, [ put a name in your profile or is your name Phil? ] I was talking about My Brother Phils louvered vent caps that he mentioned at the start of this post.

I have seen the plastic vent caps you are talking about and have not been impressed, they seem to deteriorate quickly from the sun and put too much back pressure on the air moving through them, they may be ok with a very short vent in a shady location.