Labeled demo · not a live review

What a finding looks like

This sample uses fixed example content so you can see the structure of every finding. Nothing here was generated from your photos, and it is not a compliance determination for any real installation.

Likely NoncompliantHighMechanical

Dryer exhaust appears to terminate in unconditioned attic space

72% confidence

Explanation

The flexible duct in the photo runs upward past the ceiling plane and ends without a visible wall or roof termination fitting. Clothes dryer exhaust must be carried fully to the outdoors with a listed termination and a backdraft damper; discharging into an attic introduces moisture and lint accumulation, which is both a mold and a fire concern. The duct also appears to be flexible foil rather than smooth-wall rigid metal, which increases friction loss and lint capture over the developed length.

Applicable code reference

IMC / IRC-M — IMC 504.4 (exhaust termination) and 504.6 (duct material and length)

Recommended correction

Extend the exhaust with rigid, smooth-wall metal duct to an approved exterior termination with a backdraft damper, support the run per manufacturer instructions, and confirm the total developed length against the dryer listing. Verify the adopted mechanical code edition and any local amendments with the AHJ before rough-in re-inspection.

Assumptions & limitations

  • Assumed a residential clothes dryer served by the duct shown.
  • Termination beyond the visible framing could not be confirmed from this photo.
  • Developed duct length and elbow count were not measured.
  • Adopted code edition and local amendments assumed to follow the current IMC/IRC.

Field notes

Rough-in walkthrough, second-floor laundry closet. Ceiling not yet closed.

Verify with the AHJ

Confirm the adopted code edition, local amendments, measurements, listings, and manufacturer instructions with the authority having jurisdiction before acting on this review.

AI-assisted preliminary review

Meridian Inspect provides AI-assisted preliminary compliance review only. It is not AHJ approval, a permit decision, an engineering opinion, or a guaranteed code determination. Users must verify adopted code editions, jurisdictional amendments, measurements, listings, manufacturer instructions, and site conditions.

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