Hood, Wall Cap, or Termination Cap? A Plain-English Guide to Dryer Vent Terminology

If you've searched around for dryer vent information, you've probably noticed the terminology isn't consistent. One source calls it a hood, another calls it a wall cap, and somewhere in there, someone mentions a "damper" like it's the same thing. It isn't, quite. Here's what each term actually refers to.

Hood, Wall Cap, and Termination Cap Are the Same Thing

These three terms are used interchangeably across manufacturers, codes, and the trade in general. They all refer to the same part: the fitting on the outside of your home where the dryer vent exits the wall.

If someone says "hood," "wall cap," or "termination cap," they're pointing at the same piece of hardware. There's no meaningful difference between the terms — it's just inconsistent naming across the industry.

The Damper Is a Part Inside the Hood, Not the Hood Itself

This is where the confusion usually starts. A damper isn't the whole exterior assembly — it's the moving flap mechanism inside the hood. Its job is to open under airflow pressure while the dryer is running, and close when it isn't, to help block cold air, pests, and debris from coming back in through the vent.

So a hood has a damper inside it — but calling the entire hood "a damper" is technically imprecise, even though it's common enough in casual conversation that you'll hear it used that way in the field.

Common Hood Types

Not all hoods work the same way internally. A few common types:

• Dampered hood — uses a single gravity-operated flap (the damper) that swings open and closed.

• Louvered hood — uses a set of angled slats instead of a single flap.

• Screened or mesh hood — has a fine screen across the opening. Worth flagging: screened hoods are generally discouraged, since they trap lint at the exterior opening and can create the exact airflow restriction a properly functioning vent is supposed to avoid. In some jurisdictions, this design doesn't meet code.

Why the Terminology Actually Matters

Beyond just clearing up confusion, knowing this distinction matters if you're ever troubleshooting an issue or talking to a technician. "The damper isn't closing properly" is a specific, useful thing to be able to say — it points to one small mechanism, not the whole exterior fitting. Being able to describe the actual part accurately makes it easier to get the right diagnosis and the right fix.

The Takeaway

• Hood, wall cap, and termination cap — same thing, different names

• Damper — the internal flap specifically, not the whole assembly

• Dampered vs. louvered vs. screened — different internal mechanisms, with screened hoods generally the one to avoid

Not sure what type of hood your home currently has, or whether it meets code? A CCDVP-certified technician can identify it and tell you.

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