My dryer vent is installed only a few inches above grade, as shown in this image.

[![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/rYRwV.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/rYRwV.jpg)

I'd like to fix the grading around the house but I can't raise the grade here because of the vent. Short of rerouting the vent indoors, are there any reasnable options for extending it outdoors?

I was hoping to use 4" PVC to extend it upwards by a foot or so, like the photo below. It would need a rodent guard and draft blocker. Are there any issues with this approach?

[![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/FLp7E.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/FLp7E.jpg)

EDIT: One suggestion is to route the dryer vent through the rim joist. The photo below shows the vent on the interior. It goes through what used to be a narrow window. The room joist sits on top of the window frame so moving the vent to the rim joist would raise the vent by about 8". That's certainly better than what I have now. One practical issue is routing the vent behind the gas line, though it could possibly be moved horizontally to avoid that. This whole area is a mess!

[![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/GIyNc.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/GIyNc.jpg)