How can I properly vent a dryer whose ductwork comes up vertically from the ground?

Question

How can I modify and correct a dryer vent that comes up through the ground as shown? It goes straight down, turns horizontal into the basement laundry room, then down again into the gas dryer. Rerouting through the brick is not an option. Should I angle it 90 degrees and add a traditional vent, or try to cap it with one of those "floating cup" vents that works vertically?
I'm in northeast US, so we get some snow. And judging by the chiseled hole in the basement wall, this was an afterthought. House was built in 1959, we bought it with this configuration in 2003.

isherwood · Answer

You need to accomplish three things.
Weatherproof the duct

Make sure no soil is in contact with the duct
Seal the duct seams with foil tape and/or silicone caulk
Provide a drain path for rain and groundwater falling into the well, such as a pea-gravel basin or a French drain
Provide rain protection with some sort of cover or roof

Insulate the duct
You want as little exposure to cold air as possible to prevent heat from flowing out through the metal. Wrap the duct with foil-faced insulation sleeve.
Cap the duct with a louver
Your idea to use an elbow and a new vent louver is reasonable. You could possibly reduce the profile depth of the assembly by using a duct box and mounting the louver to that, rather than an elbow. Any dryer vent louver that fits the box or elbow should work.  The critical goals are to keep cold air from dropping in during winter, and to keep pests out.

How can I properly vent a dryer whose ductwork comes up vertically from the ground?

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