I wish I could see the deck.

A dryer exhaust vent needs to be free of any obstacles even after the exhaust hood (at least 12 inches is the minimum suggested distance).

The damper helps with back draft and deters critters from setting up home.

This post was edited by georgect on Wed, Jun 26, 13 at 11:40

I'd modify the deck for access now and in the future. You're going to want to check and clean any built up lint from the vent periodically for safety anyway.

I assume the deck is attached to the house and has joists extending away from the house (perpendicular to the house outside wall). I'd take up enough boards to gain access and install a new joist cross member (parallel to the house wall) a foot or two away from the house. Then I'd saw the deck boards in two such that the joint falls right on top of the new joist cross member. Use stainless or good galvanized deck screws to reinstall the deck floor boards.

Now you have access to your dryer vent by unscrewing the portion of the interfering floor boards near the house.

The vent is next to the chimney. The boards run parallel to the house wall. Once they get to the chimney they start running perpendicular - not sure why the difference.

Here's another shot..

I think installing permanent access is the way to go. Thanks for the idea! This looks like a good option..