Serving public safety through education, awareness and professionalism:
Florida Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps
Dryer Vent Cleaning
Statistics from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) indicate that, in 1997, there were 16,700 fires in the United States originating in clothes dryers. These fires resulted in 430 injuries, 30 deaths and over $84.4 million in property damage. The CPSC also reports that in 1996, approximately 400 people were non-fatally poisoned by carbon monoxide as a result of gas dryers.
(Chimney Safety Institute of American)

Clothes slow to dry? This is usually an indication of a clogged dryer vent - an early warning that it's time to have the system inspected and cleaned.

Dryer lint is extremely flammable, causing thousands of home fires each year.  

Clothes dryer fires are usually due to lint buildup in the vent. The photo, left, is provided by State Farm Insurance and shows the results of a dryer vent fire.

Today's home designs often creatively locate laundry facilities in areas of the home that are more convenient - such as upstairs hallways, closets, bathrooms, etc. These remote locations often require a long run of venting, meaning it's harder for the lint to be blown outdoors; as lint collects in the system it slows the air movement through the system which quickly increases the buildup of flammable lint, both inside the vent and inside the dryer. This accumulation of lint can catch fire - with dangerous results.


During cleaning, your chimney sweep will also advise replacement of plastic dryer venting. This type of venting is no longer legal; it is more easily crushed during installation and it is much more flammable than metal venting. Installation of the proper venting, combined with regular cleanings, help prevent this common home danger. Strict attention to cleaning the lint trap after use is also advised. Call your member sweep today to schedule your dryer exhaust inspection and cleaning!

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