****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
A guest accidentally crushed the original galvanized dryer vent atrocity that was protruding into the driveway area (thankfully with an oversized tire sidewall and not a body panel, etc.) while backing in, and I wasn't at all tempted to replace it with the same style as I had experienced some close calls myself, nearly cutting my leg while using the adjacent hose spigot. After shopping around I purchased/ordered three different plastic/resin models as well as this metal one to replace the vent cover, and ultimately decided this was the one worth keeping to install. Before installing I took the opportunity to clean the dryer vent ducting (~12') with a drill-powered brush/rod kit and an extended hose on a wet/dry vacuum. Aside from some careful and creative trimming with tin snips to repair and prepare the existing vent duct from removing the damaged wall vent, the installation of this model was extremely intuitive and straightforward. I sealed the inside of the ducting with HVAC tape, filled-in the small gaps surrounding it with expanding foam, then sealed the wall vent cover against the brick using outdoor silicone sealant. The vent flap opens as designed as soon as the dryer comes on, and shuts firmly to keep out weather and critters. I occasionally brush off some lint residue from the cover flap/ frame when it hasn't rained recently, but haven't experienced any functionality issues with it whatsoever. It blends in well with the surrounding brick, doesn't pose a bodily injury /vehicle damage risk, and best of all, should last at least as long as I do!
