Dryer Vent Cover Repair

Updated: Jan. 02, 2020

Clean the vent flaps to stop cold air drafts

Family Handyman

Stop cool drafts from leaky clothes dryer vents by cleaning and lubricating the vent flaps so they completely close. If unsuccessful, replace the vent, a simple task.

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

Clean or replace a leaky dryer vent

A leaky single-flap vent

Check that the flap (or flaps) is closed, the vent is flush against the house, and the area around the vent is properly caulked.

An airtight louvered vent

The vent flaps are completely closed and the flange is caulked to stop air infiltration.

If cold air comes into your laundry room through the dryer vent, you should be able to stop it fairly easily. The vent should have a flap (or flaps) at the end to stop air infiltration (see photos). Go outside and make sure there’s a flap and that it’s not stuck open. If the flap works well, check the caulking. If it’s cracking and peeling away, it’s probably allowing cold air to leak in. Cut away the old caulking, make sure the vent is flush against the siding, and apply new latex caulk.

If the flap doesn’t close on its own, try cleaning it and then spray silicone on the pivot point. If the flap still won’t close, replace it. It only costs about $5 at home centers, and installing a new dryer vent will only take about 15 minutes.

Start by cutting away the caulking around the vent on the siding with a utility knife, remove any screws and unclamp the duct leading to the dryer. Slide the old vent out of the wall, slip in the new one and reattach it to the duct. Caulk around the vent flange.

Video: Why You Should Upgrade Your Dryer Vent

Required Tools for this Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

4-in-1 screwdriver
Caulk gun
Utility knife

Originally Published: June 20, 2017