The vent out the back is not vinyl...I'm guessing it falls under "tin foil," although it seems sturdier than that--maybe it's flexible metal? The two holes are well off center with each other, so a straight pipe is out of the question, and it makes a pretty sharp adjustment because the dryer has to be squeezed back pretty close to the wall. I did find a big pile of dog hair on the floor and the vent was pulled away, but I don't know if that happened before it cut off or just when I pulled the machine out. Guess I was pushing it by not vacumming things like comforters before tossing them in the wash, but the dryer has held up under that treatment for 3 1/2 yrs. If that's the culprit, or if it's dangerous, I'll be more careful...