Somewhat MM related

[stephm0188]

Our laundry room is on the second floor and vents through the roof. We had a new roof put on last fall, and they replaced the dryer vent cover and a few other things while they were up there. Within 2-3 months after the roof went on, we noticed our clothes weren't drying properly. It was taking longer, and it continued to get worse throughout the summer. We checked the duct from the laundry room and attic and cleaned out the dryer, but it didn't fix the problem.

The vent cleaner I contacted immediately asked if we had a new roof put on recently, and said that he's had a lot of business in our area. Apparently, the new vent covers come with some insert meant to keep birds from nesting, but it blocks the lint and causes buildup. He suggested contacting the roofing company.

So the roofing company is coming today to check it out. If that is indeed the problem, would you expect to pay for it? My husband and I have differing opinions.

[Deleted]

Are they going to put a different vent cover on or are they just going to clean it?
I guess I'd expect them to want to be paid for their time at least. Sounds like a defect of the product though and they should get a new one.

[schrodinger]

If the vent was a vent that was designed for driers, and it was properly installed, then the roofing company did nothing wrong. You are asking for a modification to the "correct" installation. No error on the part of the roofing company = no paying on their part.

[stephm0188]

It wouldn't be a new one. It would be popping the cover off and removing a piece of mesh. Should take 5-10 minutes, tops.

[kzoomaggie]

We had this exact problem when our house was built. The HVAC company came and just removed the mesh (which was coated with inches of lint). We didn't pay anything, and it took less than 5 minutes.

[pitterwoo]

unless it's really inaccessible I would go up on the roof and pop off the mesh myself. I would expect to pay the roofers for their time since they didn't technically do anything wrong.

[nonsenseabound]

I would pop off the mesh myself. Takes a ladder and an able bodied person. Or pay a local handyman/woman

[stephm0188]

The roofers came by this evening. I was partially right. The mesh was indeed clogged and not allowing air to pass through.

It turns out that the wrong vent cover was put on. The cover installed last fall was too small for the pipe. They put a new one on, and we didn't have to pay.