Dryer Wall Vent Installation in Belmont, CA

## New Dryer Exhaust System Installed in Belmont, CA This Belmont home required a brand-new dryer exhaust pathway routed through the exterior wall. The project involved penetrating a layered wall assembly: 5/8-inch drywall on the interior side, followed by 5/8-inch shear plywood sheathing, and finally the stucco exterior cladding. Each layer was carefully core-drilled to produce a clean, aligned opening for the new exhaust duct without compromising the structural integrity of the wall assembly. Per IRC M1502.4.8, any space provided for a clothes dryer must be served by a complete exhaust duct system, making this installation a code requirement as well as a safety upgrade. ## Materials and Assembly The new exhaust run was constructed using approximately 12 inches of 26-gauge rigid galvanized steel pipe inside the wall cavity, transitioning to an 8-inch flat 28-gauge wall plate at the interior connection point. On the exterior, the termination was finished with an InOvate flush-mount dryer vent hood. This hood features a silicone-backed, flush-mount profile that seals tightly against the stucco siding, minimizing air infiltration and providing a weather-tight fit. The InOvate hood incorporates an integrated backdraft damper, satisfying the requirement under IRC M1502.3 that all exhaust duct terminations be equipped with a gravity-operated backdraft damper. Screens at the termination opening are explicitly prohibited under the same section, and none were used here. ## Termination and Code Compliance The exterior vent hood was positioned on the stucco siding with careful attention to clearance requirements. IRC M1502.3 requires that exhaust ducts terminate on the outside of the building, not less than 3 feet from any window, door, or air intake opening. The InOvate hood's flush-mount design eliminates the protruding cap profile common on standard vent covers, reducing snagging, wind noise, and the risk of physical damage to the termination. The silicone backing bonds directly to the stucco surface, creating a durable seal that resists moisture intrusion around the penetration point. ## Result The completed installation gives this Belmont home a fully compliant, purpose-built dryer exhaust pathway from the laundry space through the exterior wall. The rigid steel duct, properly sized wall plate, and quality flush-mount termination hood work together to ensure efficient airflow, reduced lint accumulation risk, and long-term durability. Annual inspections are recommended per NFPA fire-safety guidance to verify damper operation and confirm the duct interior remains clear of lint buildup over time.