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Dryer vent hood flap rattles in the wind — what to check

Dryer vent

Outdoor dryer vent flap banging in the wind? Check for missing stops, bent hinges and lint before you replace the hood.

Illustration of an outdoor dryer vent hood on a brick wall with snow cleared from around it
Photo: CoraCo Studio™ original (generated)

A dryer vent hood flap that bangs on windy days is usually loose, bent, or held open by lint. A quick check outside often fixes it.

Quiet a rattling dryer vent flap

  1. With the dryer off, look at the flap outside. It should rest closed and swing freely.
  2. Clean any lint on the hinge and flap edge with a soft brush.
  3. Check that the hinge pin is in place and the flap is not bent. Gently straighten a slightly bent flap by hand.
  4. If the flaps are cracked or the hinge is broken, replace the hood with one that fits your duct size.
  5. Run the dryer and confirm the flap still opens fully.

Do not tape or glue the flap shut. It must open freely when the dryer runs.

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