How to vent dryer properly out a basement window?

Question

We're in the middle of renovating a new rental property. In the basement, the dryers were venting out of a basement window. The glass had been taken out and wood put in its place, and it's rotted and looks terrible.

However, it seems like it'd be pretty expensive to put a hole in my foundation to vent that way (my other properties vent this way).

My contractor suggested modifying the new basement window in a similar fashion as it was before, but he'd make it look better. Do you all agree? Do you have pictures or descriptions of your own set ups?

Can I vent two dryers out one basement window?

I looked at this window too but not sure if it'd work or not:http://www.homedepot.com/p/Pittsburgh-Corning-Guar...Thank you for any tips and advice on venting two dryers out of a basement!

Bryan H. · Answer

Do glass block, provides security and obscures view, then get one block replaced with a vent hole

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Pittsburgh-Corning-8-in-x-8-in-x-4-in-Glass-Block-Dryer-Vent-in-White-100843/202081733

Jean Bolger · Answer

glass block is great for basement windows. It's secure, lets light in, and would be a lot safer surrounding a dryer vent than wood (in case you had heat build up, or combustion, which can happen if the lint builds up too much in there). You might find one of those prefab units that fit, but it's not much trouble to make it out of individual blocks and probably cheaper. I don't see any reason why you couldn't vent two dryers out the same window this way.

Matthew Paul · Answer

If this is a block wall , using a hammer drill and putting the vent in is not generally difficult .

Mary Edwards · Answer

I'd use plexiglass instead of wood and cut the holes with the same hole saw I use for roughing in recessed lighting. Then,  you glaze it in just like you were replacing glass.

Steve Babiak · Answer

How about glass block for a stationary section for holding the vent, and a smaller section for a window that opens and closes?

If you do use wood for the stationary part, make sure it is exterior grade and that you cover it / cap it.

Nicole A. · Answer

Thanks, Michael, for your response! Yes, I agree that I might as well stay with that setup. I also just want to be sure I pass any potential inspections, since the last landlord didn't bother with inspections or making the place lead free.

I guess my final question is, is it okay to vent two dryers out of one basement window? I imagine this would pretty much take up the entire window frame, leaving no actual glass. I don't know if this would potentially violate some safety code (I can always ask my rental inspector). There is--however--another basement window on the far side of the basement (as well as a door to go out in the back yard).

Michael Noto · Answer

I would do it the way your contractor suggested.  Makes sense all the way around especially from a cost perspective.

I have never had anyone give me any push back on how a dryer was vented as long as it was vented in the first place.

Personally, I wouldn't start drilling holes in a foundation for a dryer vent when you know something else has worked for years in the same space and like you said the cost would be higher.

How to vent dryer properly out a basement window?

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