Why is lint coming out of my outdoor vent hood?
Visible lint accumulating at or around the exterior vent hood means lint is escaping the dryer's internal filter — either because the screen is undersized, damaged, or because airflow is fast enough to carry more lint than usual through the vent. It's a sign the system needs inspection, not necessarily an emergency.
Some lint making it to the outside vent is normal — dryer lint screens catch most lint, not all, and what escapes travels down the vent and exits at the termination. A small amount around the hood flap is fine.
A lot of lint — visible from across the yard, clogging bushes, or piling up below the hood — means something's off. Common causes: a damaged or missing lint screen (check for tears or gaps), an overloaded dryer forcing faster airflow, or a vent that's been so clogged it was pushing accumulated lint out in chunks as flow was re-established.
The exterior hood itself: most hoods have a hinged flap that opens on airflow and closes when the dryer is off. A broken flap or a hood missing its screen lets birds and rodents nest inside, which is a separate fire hazard and an easy find on our inspections.
Inspection remedy: our $49.99 visit includes exterior hood inspection and cleaning. If the hood is damaged we'll flag it; replacement is usually a simple job a handyman can do, or we can coordinate it.
Manufacturer resources
Official support pages for brands commonly referenced in this answer.
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