We've added a den to the back of our house (where the dryer vent was vented) The wall where the dryer vented will now house a new fireplace. We have two options. Going up thru the attic (vented outside) or an elbow turn to the left and down the wall about 20 ft. Is an inch slope enough of a slope? This is metal duct work and will be housed in a wooden box as there will be brick and stone (for the fireplace and hearth) surrounding it. I just can't see going UP thru the attic with moisture laden air. Seems like it would be too "heavy" and the clothes would take forever to dry. All precautions have been considered if we vented down the side of the wall. Lumber is treated, there is ample space between the firebox and ductwork. Where the duct elbows out of the wall, there will be cabinets so access to the elbow is possible from either side of the wall (den side or laundry room side). Here is a link to a picture that might be useful in visualizing what I'm trying to explain. This has been a temporary setup. The new duct, as I said earlier will be metal and encased in a wood box. This temporary setup is sloped more than we would be able to do permanently. At this current height the hearth and firebox would have to be too tall.
- posted
20 years ago