The DFP R12 Outport
A. Compared to "gooseneck" style vent covers;
1. It is difficult to impossible to get cleaning tools into the vertical duct through a gooseneck. The DFP R12 Outport has a removable lid that allows complete access to the duct terminal. Mechanical Building Code, sect. 504.3 states "All vertical risers require a cleanout point."
2. Goosenecks force the exhaust to perform a 180 degree turn, violating the straightest path requirement. R12's turn is only 90 degrees.
3. Goosenecks steer the outflow against the roof, violating the 12 inches of unobstructed airflow. The R12 guides the air along the roof.
4. Goosenecks do not always have dampers and if they do, they do not provide 100% coverage. R12's have a 100% damper. The flap is designed to close before it falls vertical. Gravity is always working to keep it closed, keeping drafts from entering via the duct.
5. Many common hoods have the damper’s swivel rod in the airflow where lint build-up can lock the damper flap in one position. When locked closed, little or no outflow occurs and normal use of the dryer can lead to expensive repairs or a dryer fire! Our swivel rods are out of the airflow.
6. Goosenecks often come with screens that roofers do not remove because it is often the only barrier to wildlife entry. Mechanical Building Code sect. 504.4 states "Screens shall not be installed at the duct termination." We've seen a screen get totally clogged with lint in one month after being installed. It is well known that birds, lizards, mice, rats, snakes and squirrels love to build nests in dryer ducts. The DFP R12 has a unique method of deterrence The damper flap is nestled between ridges. Any animal that gets past its instinctive fear of the owl will have a difficult, if not impossible, time trying to pry the flap open. Any pressure from the side or bottom of the flap will result in a push toward the opposite end and lock the flap in place.
7. The most used gooseneck is four inches wide. It has only an eight square inch opening. Manufacturers require airflow equivalent to four inch pipe (12.6 Sq. inches.) The DFP R12 has a 16 Sq. inch outlet!
8. Goosenecks are flimsy, subject to wind damage and have to be replaced when a new roof is installed. The R12’s metal parts are either stainless steel or aluminum. They won’t rust as common hoods do. R12's are guaranteed to survive Arizona and Florida’s sun for 20 years and winds up to 150 MPH. The R12 can be removed and re-used when re-roofing. R12's are easily painted.
9. Protection from lint and moisture entering the attic. The hole in the roof for the duct is normally cut out square. This leaves gaps around the circular duct, like the corners of a pizza box. The R12 has a liner that fits over the duct and seals those gaps.
10. GREEN! Greater airflow efficiency means reduced utility use! Reduced utility use equals lower “carbon footprint”
11. Although not a function, we feel the following is a definite asset to all Americans. we are proud to say, DFP hoods are manufactured in The United States of America!
B. Compared to the "Miami" style vent covers;
1. Miami style vents' openings are often too small to insert cleaning tools. Their tops are sometimes screwed on which violates FBC 504.4. These tops must be drilled off in order to insert cleaning equipment, and reattached. The R12 has an easily removed lid that allows complete access to the duct terminal. See A.1.
2. Miami vents have no damper. Outport has a 100% damper.
3. Miami vents also turn the air 90 degrees, but often, depending on manufacturer, through a smaller opening. Outport has an outflow opening of over 16 square inches.
4. Neither has screens. Miami vents have no wildlife barrier. See A. 6.
5. Made of steel, Miami vents rust in the moist outflow. R12's are guaranteed for 20 years, even in Florida and Arizona.