If you’re wondering whether you can use electrical tape on your dryer vent, you are in the right place.
Installing a dryer vent is not as easy a task as it comes in pieces that require assembling. It is very likely that you will need to connect two or more vent pieces together before you can completely install the exhaust duct. You may need to use tape to seal the pieces of your vent together.
On the other hand, dryers can stop drying clothes when the vent no longer releases hot air. Oftentimes, this is a result of environmental damage. Many people complain about worn-off vents and holes. Simply using tape can fix this issue, but what is the most effective type of tape to use?
Here’s Whether You Can Use Electrical Tape On Dryer Vent:
Electrical tape is not a good tape to use on dryer vents. While electrical tape may help you to assemble a vent, it will barely make any difference to a damaged one. And in case you have a flexible vent hose, the electrical tape will not stick to it at all.
When it comes to taping the dryer vents, it is important to choose the right kind of tape that will serve the purpose. Some tapes will not stick to dryer vents at all, while others may not be safe to use.
There are three main types of dryer vents rigid vents, semi-rigid vents, and flexible vents. Rigid exhaust ducts are either made using aluminum or galvanized steel, while semi-rigid ones are usually made of aluminum. On the other hand, most flexible dryer vents are made out of plastic.
While electrical tape is specially designed to manage cables, it can stick to various materials, including aluminum. This suggests that you can use electrical tape on dryer vents. But the problem with this repairing solution is that electrical tape does not provide a lot of protection.
In case of leaks, sealing a dent with electrical tape does not ensure that hot air/moisture will not leak before reaching the dryer. On the other hand, you can use electrical tape when assembling the exhaust duct. But the adhesive strip on this type of electrical tape can soon dry off due to the temperature, and the tape will begin to peel.
When it comes to flexible dryer vents, the polyester film coating does not allow the electrical tape to stick to them. This means that you can’t use electrical tape if you’re using flexible exhaust ducts.
Can You Tape a Dryer Vent?
Taping a dryer vent becomes important in two cases.
A few pieces of an exhaust duct come separately that you will need to assemble using tape to have it ready. Generally, these are the exterior and interior joints. The parts you will need to connect to the vent are usually pieces that cover the connections and screws, and edges. Covering these up is necessary in order to avoid lint from snagging in.
Besides, you may also need to use tape to repair a dryer vent in case of leaks. Covering a dent with tape can ensure that the moisture does not flow out before reaching the dryer or termination point. Fixing dryer vent leakage is extremely important for the effective operation of your dryer.
What Kind Of Tape Can You Use On A Dryer Vent?
Dryer vents can get very hot due to the warm air and moisture that flows through them. This makes it important to use a tape that is resistant to high temperatures. Other types of tapes like electrical tape, gorilla tape, and duct tape are not good alternatives under this condition either.
Aluminum foil tape is the best kind of tape to use with dryer vents. It is the best option for sealing dryer vents on the inside and outside as well. Not to mention, you can use aluminum tape to both assemble the vent and repair a leakage. In any case, it ensures that no lint is able to snag in and accumulate to clog the vent.
High temperatures can cause the adhesive in regular tapes to dry off. As a result, these can crack and peel off. Aluminum or foil tape is extremely durable in this matter as it can effectively resist heat and cracks. So using aluminum tape will last you for a long time. Not to mention, foil is also a fire-resistance material, making it the safest tape option for dryer vents.
Can Gorilla Tape Be Used On Dryer Vent?
Gorilla tape uses a highly-concentrated, rubber-based adhesive that allows it to stick to various materials and surfaces, including fabric and most plastics. But gorilla tape does not stick to materials like PVC or EPDM that contain high amounts of plasticizer and oil.
While gorilla tape will stick to dryer vents, it is not the best option for several reasons. Firstly, it is not fire-resistant, so you cannot ensure its safety. Furthermore, gorilla tape works best at the optimal temperature of 32°F.
Like other types of tape, the hot surface exterior of dryer vents can cause the adhesive of gorilla tape to dry off. This suggests that the tape is likely to flake and peel off soon.
Can Duct Tape Be Used On Dryer Vent?
Most homeowners always have duct tape at hand to use for different types of uses in the house. While you may think that duct tape can fix anything, dryer vents seem to be an exception.
It is not wise to use duct tape on your dryer vent as it is not very effective or safe. While duct tape will stick to any type of dryer vent, it will not serve the right purpose. This non-foil tape is neither fire-resistant nor heat resistant. While it poses the danger of a fire hazard, duct tape will not stay stuck for long due to the high temperatures of your dryer vent.
As time passes, duct tape’s adhesive will dry off, and it will begin to crack, flake, and peel off. The warm air that flows through an exhaust duct does not take much time to dissolve the adhesive, whereas it can also melt down the plastic covering of duct tape. So, it is best to avoid using duct tape on the dryer vent and reach out for foil tape.
Can You Use Foil Tape On Dryer Vent?
As compared to other tape options like duct tape, electrical tape, and gorilla tape, aluminum foil tape is the safest, most effective option for use on dryer vents.
Dryer vents work by blowing hot air into the dryer that helps effectively dry clothes. As this hot air and moisture pass through a vent, the vent is very likely to heat up. This makes it important to choose a tape that can resist high temperatures. Not to mention, non-foil tapes can also pose a fire hazard.
Foil tape, also known as aluminum tape, is a heat-resistant tape that does not crack, peel or flake at high temperatures. This type of tape is also safe for use on vents as foil does not catch fire.
Foil tape is suitable for use on the inside as well as outside of your exhaust duct. In case you’re worried about lint buildup, this type of tape is also effective at preventing it.
Key Takeaways
Warm air flows through dryer vents that can cause their surface to become heated. Whether to join the pieces of a vent or to fix leakage, finding a suitable tape is significant. While most tapes can stick to dryer vents, they cannot serve the purpose.
Foil tape (aluminum tape) is the safest and most effective option when it comes to dryer vents. It is fire-resistant and crack-resistant, meaning that the high temperatures do not affect its function. This durable type of tape does not crack, flake, or peel off while. It also prevents lint buildup.
Sources:
echotape.com/blog/5-great-reasons-choose-foil-tape/
