Dryer Vent Maintenance in San Antonio, TX

Why does one load now take two cycles?

That is the usual first clue. Airflow is choked somewhere between the drum and the termination. On 1950s-70s ranches off a short exterior-wall run, the culprit is often the original flexible foil or vinyl duct still sitting behind the dryer, crushed into a shallow closet. On newer two-story subdivision homes, the run climbs into the attic and travels 20-35 feet with two or more elbows before a roof cap. Long runs fail differently. Lint settles at every direction change and at the cap screen.

Sagging is the quiet problem up there. Duct slung between attic joists forms bellies, and bellies collect wet lint. During January cold fronts, moist exhaust condenses inside that attic duct and the lint mat turns to paste. Brushing alone will not move paste. The duct usually needs support or replacement.

Garage laundry corners vent through the garage wall or up through the ceiling. Those sidewall and roof terminations attract birds, wasps, and rodents. We check the screen, not just the duct. Cedar and oak pollen plus caliche dust from nearby construction thicken the mat further.

Stacked laundry closets in condos and townhomes share wall chases. Access is tight, and the dryer must come out. Plan on that.