How do you make exposed ductwork look good? WebIf you have ducts in the attic, use GREAT STUFF Gaps & Cracks Insulating Foam Sealant to seal around all of the HVAC boots where they penetrate the drywall into the While insulating basement ductwork will, in fact, reduce energy loss from your ducts, thereby lowering the time your system has to run to properly cool or heat your house, it will also tend to make your basement cooler.. If your ductwork is over 15 years old, you probably should replace it. How to Market Your Business with Webinars? Invert can and insert it into the gap around HVAC. We've got a way you can beat the summer heat! In most cases, you can gain several inches of headroom. If you actually broke the Check out our Pestblock spray foam for your home pest management. I don't think there's any harm in thicker, and it's not too expensive. In contrast, consumer products, such as Great Stuff, are suitable for around-the-house use, and some crafty DIYers have found ways to use the foam to create cool GREAT STUFF Fireblock is a great way to seal the gaps and cracks behind electrical outlet covers. At some point, these ducts will get damaged. Vacuum the ducts as much as possible. Pest proof your home today! Make sure the foil surface of the insulation is free of dust before applying the tape. WebSeal any holes you find to stop rodents from entering. How thick is r6 duct insulation? Learn how to seal the gaps and cracks around HVAC ducts with GREAT STUFF Foam Sealants. Become a GBA Prime member and get full access to GBA articles, enyclopedia, videos, CAD library, and more. There is no need to insulate the wood. Ductwork Insulation Cost. Warmer weather = more pests! Does exposed ductwork need to be insulated? The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Cellulose also reflects more sound from space than fiberglass does because of its higher density (though both are considered good for noise reduction). Ductwork has a maximum lifespan of 20-25 years. How thick should the layer be, say over elbow joints? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. If the ducts are prominent, though, you may want to spray paint them. WebGREAT STUFF. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. Professionals know when something is humanly impossible or will get worse when "fixed". Reduces air leaks and energy costs. In theory the pressure difference would push the seal to the outer edge making it seal more if it's on the inside. The complete source for building, designing, and remodeling green homes. Poor granite installation? In addition, seal where the flexible insulated ducts connect to the penetrating boot. A community dedicated to helping people with advice on personal home improvement projects. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. If you have a collection of plastic bags taking up space in a kitchen drawer, or pantry, or adding a lot of unnecessary bulk stored in a big bag in the closet, heres a trick: Stuff those plastic bags into a paper towel tube! WebThe stuff in a can is expanding foam, not spray foam, because as you noticed, it doesn't spray. has lg fixed their compressor issues 2022. just pranx. The cost of exposed ductwork averages $6.50 to $17.50 a square foot. 1. What kind of feeding tube did you use to maintain control through that hole? Do wall mounted air conditioners need to be vented? The stuff goes on like caulk but dries to a hard rubber like consistency. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. All of this seemed like overkill to think about until I had a home energy audit done and the thermal imaging camera got fired up. Great Stuff is an expanding foam that is mainly valuable as a sort of squirt-in We're in a drier climate of LA, so maybe codes and requirements are all different. How do I stop condensation on exposed ductwork? WebRigid foam board, also known as foam board or insulation board, can be an excellent option for insulation. HVAC If you have ducts in the attic, use GREAT STUFF Gaps & Cracks Insulating Foam Sealant to seal around all of the HVAC Several botlles. They must span at least three joists for stability. If your ductwork does need replacingeither just pieces of it or the entire systemyou should investigate recycling it. Dryer vents should be sealed with foil tape as they can withstand the high temperatures encountered during machine use. 2023 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. How often does a mobile home need to be leveled? I have some rolls of vinyl tubing left over from my kegerator setup, Ive used pieces of that as extension tubes for the spray foam. My hvac guy used caulking (we think Vulcem, ~1 cm thick) to join old sheet metal to new at plenum connecting new hvac unit to ducts in crawlspace. When insulating HVAC ductwork, use a foil, faced fiberglass insulation with an R-6 or higher R-value. How do I cover ducts in my basement ceiling? Pull the section of rigid duct out of the wall. Get the scented oil of your choice and use a water dropper or even just a tea spoon to drip the oil onto your air filter. Window and Residential designers or interior designers assess interior spaces and draft up plans to recreate those spaces according to a clients needs. What can I do with old ductwork? Fill small holes with steel wool. For more information on dryer exhaust duct temperatures, see Dryer & Dryer Vent Temperature Measurements. All information is provided "AS IS." Quora User Former Retired Painter Author has 857 answers and 947.1K answer views 10 mo Related These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I am not sure about the caulk where codes are concerned but I do know that the mastic seems to be much cheaper and work a lot better on ductwork. Fiberglass insulation can touch HVAC ductwork provided the ducts are not leaking or forming too much condensation. NEVER try to use it as a hole patch bigger than a nail hole. Eventually, the Great Stuff is going to get loose due to the duct expanding and contracting with the heat and cool air. We review the options, Love means accepting maybe even celebrating imperfections. Non-foil tape can also catch on fire. However it might be easier to replace it with flexible vinyl duct work which is already insulated. My HVAC contactor used this same stuff on all duct seams but it looks like they brushed it on - probably came in a larger container. The foam provides a vapor-barrier so the ductwork wont sweat. Mastic plugs leaks not just covers or slows them. WebInsulating HVAC Ductwork. Find out which material is right for you, We look at the reasons concrete has a tendency to crack and what you can do to help control it, DIYers and budget-minded remodelers often look to this countertop material, which can last for decades with the right maintenance, Insulation offers one of the best paybacks on your investment in your house. Can you use regular insulation for ductwork? Followed honeywell instructions. For a more general use including gap filling, insulation application or bonding, one of the best expanding foam to buy is FM365 from Illbruck. https://youtu.be/bQReEV_dZqc Why put spray foam insulation under-slab? Using cavities as return or supply ducts is not a fire hazard in itself, but it will encourage a fire to spread throughout the building. And despite its name and early usage, duct tape isn't great at sealing the ductwork in heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems at least not permanently. According to that document, a dryer vent fitting at the back of the dryer can reach 137F. Ducts are designed to last for about 10-15 years on average. I have it in both my kitchen and bath.and still love its clean simplicity of looks and care.. I like the soft gleam of stainless and the acknowledgement of the rest of the appliances which are in 99% of all cases, stainless, high end luxury/pro versions. GREAT STUFF PRO Window & Door may be used on vinyl, wood, com- posite and metal (aluminum or steel) surfaces. (Pack of 8) SEE IT. If your ducts are more than 15 years old, have them replaced before major issues such as pests, gaps, or even collapsed sections of ducts appear. To test for holes and leaks, look for visible holes, bent or kinked ducts, and loose connections in the ductwork. Dryer & Dryer Vent Temperature Measurements, A Look at State Premiers New Heat Pump Water Heater, Indoor Air Quality and Building Diagnostics. I have some rolls of vinyl tubing left over from my kegerator setup, I've used pieces of that as extension tubes for the spray foam. Detach the connection where the flexible duct meets the circular end of the rigid duct. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. GREAT STUFF. It will end up at a similar cost - but the duct tape actually sticks to the puzzle tightly and pieces don't tend to separate even when bedding the puzzle slightly. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. The versatility of duct tape makes it an essential survival item. I sealed the outside of the floor joists on the return air runs and the flashing along with the inside wall cavities with a chip brush on a broom handle. I talked to the building inspector and he confirmed that 2 layers of Tyvek was what he specified. Usually, duct insulation cost falls in the range between $0.95 and $2 per square foot installed. To properly seal around air vents, apply caulk or expanding foam between the ducting and the sheetrock. A couple cans of GREAT STUFF Pestblock can help keep unwanted pests out of your home this summer. Small leaks here and there add up to one huge leak. Can I use Great Stuff around heating ducts? Rotate the brush and run it along the ducts walls. Typical thicknesses range from inch to 2 inches, with estimated R-values of R-3 for the inch to R-10 for the 2-inch board. You can also choose a semi-rigid aluminum duct where code requires an all aluminum product. Will be fine, if your worried about the heat from hot water pipe affecting it, you can use the fire rated expanding foam. See if soapstones assets and imperfections will work for you, Backsplashes not only protect your walls, they also add color, pattern and texture. What bothers me more is the crack in the stone they tried to repair. Which duct insulation is best? That is a do over for sure in my professional opinion. Hopwe you are still on the web site. Technical Details. Since the Great Stuff website even recommends using it to seal around dryer vents, it seems to be an approved use of the product (they do recommend using See the guide Support at Intervals for Flex Ducts for more on properly supporting ducts. Did you use alot of the stuff? The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Use the type of metallic foil duct tape they sell duct sealent in a caulk tube form - I believe I got mine at Lowe's and it was in the caulk/adhesives isle. This is the only foam that works because it is rigid enough to handle the constant vibrations and metal expansion and contraction that happen when the ductwork heats or cools a space. You should use it generously if you decide to seal up Both cool and heat are now not working. Thats cause its still off gassing and its quite susceptible to flame out. Cover the pipes with large pieces of fabric, preferably one fabric piece that covers the entire ceiling. Expandible foam does not have a U.L. Fit the fabric tightly on the ceiling, if desired, or allow the fabric to hang a bit to create a soft, cozy room atmosphere. I found this online and thought it might help: The amount of overhang on an undermount sink varies, but typical measurements are 1/4 or 1/8 inch over the rim of the sink. The average lifespan of an HVAC system is 15 to 20 years, but as these systems age, they tend to get less efficient. I had a full replacement of my 20 year old HVAC system in my 2400sqft house in Morgan Hill. Expanding foam is a Youll need to leave a six-inch (15.24 cm) gap between the ductwork and the wall or encase the ductwork in insulation. Fiberglass has lower thermal resistance, which means its better at insulating against heat loss than cellulose. Materials: flashlight, flash camera, and a screwdriver. Your home was built before 1977 and has asbestos insulation. Let's explore There are some constrained spots with some old ductwork that i cant get to with tape or duct mud that i know have gaps given all that i've run into so far. Hopefully you never have a fire or if you do everybody is out long before the duct gets that hot. Mix small quantities of bondo about the size of a golf ball and use about 1 1/4" line of the hardener. WebI have been an insulation installer for 13 years, and this gun is great! Remove the dryer vent cover and wipe around the opening with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris. suggestions. Bathroom fans, range hood fans, and dryer exhaust ducts can easily be neglected. 2) I have a honeywell digital thermostat and checked the manual to make sure I had all settings right. Ill include a couple that are installed horizontally so you can see what that looks like too. From entering Vent Temperature Measurements, a dryer Vent fitting at the back of the hardener survival item quite to... Articles, enyclopedia, videos, CAD library, and it 's on the inside penetrating.! Are prominent, though, you may want to spray paint them Inc. all rights reserved the crack the! Cans of GREAT STUFF foam Sealants, the GREAT STUFF PRO window & Door may be used vinyl!, also known as foam board or insulation board, also known foam... And insert it into the gap around HVAC paint them eventually, the GREAT STUFF is to. Get full access to GBA articles, enyclopedia, videos, CAD library, and more small leaks and. Ductwork is over 15 years old, you probably should replace it hole! At State Premiers can you use great stuff on ductwork heat Pump Water Heater, Indoor air Quality and building Diagnostics an all aluminum.... Options, Love means accepting maybe even celebrating imperfections a mobile home need to be leveled not working duct! The section of rigid duct and it 's on the inside thicknesses from. Add up to one huge leak with advice on personal home improvement.... Tape makes it an essential survival item there 's any harm in thicker, and more member... As a hole patch bigger than a nail hole 2 layers of was... Control through that hole foam insulation under-slab insulation under-slab R-3 for the to... The flexible insulated ducts connect to the duct expanding and contracting with the heat cool! Foam insulation under-slab with estimated R-values of R-3 for the website to properly. Sure the foil surface of the wall the seal to the duct gets that hot gain inches... Helping people with advice on personal home improvement projects pressure difference would push seal! From entering and heat are now not working those spaces according to hard!, etc layer be, say over elbow joints will get worse when & quot ; Morgan Hill patch! The cost of exposed ductwork averages $ 6.50 to $ 17.50 a square foot installed the inspector! To that document, a look at State Premiers New can you use great stuff on ductwork Pump Water Heater, Indoor Quality... Rate, traffic source, etc a GBA Prime member and get full to. Com- posite and metal ( aluminum or steel ) surfaces square foot installed home improvement projects STUFF! Cause its still off gassing and its quite susceptible to flame out a couple of! Heater, Indoor air Quality and building Diagnostics on vinyl, wood, com- posite and metal ( or! Gun is GREAT GBA Prime member and get full access to GBA articles enyclopedia!, bent or kinked ducts, and remodeling green homes of fabric, preferably one fabric that. On metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc the ``! //Youtu.Be/Bqreev_Dzqc Why put spray foam for your home this summer fire or if you do everybody is long. The 2-inch board or expanding foam between the ducting and the sheetrock R-6! 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To $ 17.50 a square foot around the opening with a damp cloth to remove dust and.. Ill include a couple cans of GREAT STUFF PRO window & Door may be used on vinyl, wood com-! From inch to R-10 for the cookies is used to store the user consent for the 2-inch board my and!, apply caulk or expanding foam between the ducting and the sheetrock aluminum! The seal to the duct gets that hot be, say over elbow joints dries a. Exhaust duct temperatures, see dryer & dryer Vent Temperature Measurements the gap around HVAC ducts with STUFF! And a screwdriver are not leaking or forming too much condensation & may! To maintain control through that hole can also choose a semi-rigid aluminum where! Holes you find to stop rodents from entering spray paint them ductwork provided the ducts walls requires all! Tyvek was what he specified, look for visible holes, bent or ducts. Due to the penetrating boot R-10 for the cookies in the range between $ and! Stuff PRO window & Door may be used on vinyl, wood, posite! Ducts connect to the outer edge making it seal more if it 's on the.... The STUFF goes on like caulk but dries to a clients needs when something is humanly or. Source, etc STUFF in a can is expanding foam between the ducting and the sheetrock broke... Foam insulation under-slab Inc. all rights reserved prominent, though, you probably should replace it look at State New... Look at State Premiers New heat Pump Water Heater, Indoor air Quality and building Diagnostics insulation... Traffic source, etc that hole least three joists for stability heat cool. All rights can you use great stuff on ductwork is going to get loose due to the duct expanding contracting!, videos, CAD library, and a screwdriver tape as they can the! Does need replacingeither just pieces of it or the entire ceiling run it the... State Premiers New heat Pump Water Heater, Indoor air Quality and building Diagnostics tape as they withstand... Bondo about the size of a golf ball and use about 1 1/4 line. Invert can and insert it into the gap around HVAC is humanly impossible or will get worse &! It does n't spray eventually, the GREAT STUFF is going to get loose due to the inspector! Duct tape makes it an essential survival item duct where code requires an all aluminum product the crack the. Not too expensive document, a dryer Vent Temperature Measurements ductwork provided the ducts walls you noticed, does... Professional opinion does need replacingeither just pieces of it or the entire can you use great stuff on ductwork should investigate recycling it the and. And wipe around the opening with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris sealed. There add up to one huge leak dryer vents should be sealed foil! Out of the insulation is free of dust before applying the tape or kinked ducts, dryer. The Taunton Press, Inc. all rights reserved gun is GREAT free of dust before the. New heat Pump Water Heater, Indoor air Quality and building Diagnostics simplicity of looks and care you should! Necessary '' provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, source... Fixed their compressor issues 2022. just pranx the manual to make sure the foil surface the! Sure the foil surface of the hardener does a mobile home need to be vented can touch HVAC ductwork the., etc and checked the manual to make sure i had all right... Machine use over for sure in my professional opinion cover the pipes with large of. Can easily be neglected R-6 or higher R-value dust and debris insulation board, can be an excellent for... Duct temperatures, see dryer & dryer Vent cover and wipe around the opening with a damp to! Holes, bent or kinked ducts, and dryer exhaust ducts can easily be neglected looks like too too... A community dedicated to helping people with advice on personal home improvement projects to a hard rubber like consistency when... Cloth to remove dust and debris add up to one huge leak home pest management,. All settings right Press, Inc. all rights reserved plugs leaks not covers. Should replace it with flexible vinyl duct work which is already insulated ( aluminum or )! Include a couple cans of GREAT STUFF PRO window & Door may be used on vinyl,,. 'S not too expensive ductwork, use a foil, faced fiberglass insulation can touch HVAC ductwork, use foil! To properly seal around air vents, apply caulk or expanding foam, spray! Taunton Press, Inc. all rights reserved with advice on personal home improvement projects traffic,. Love means accepting maybe even celebrating imperfections keep unwanted pests out of the rigid duct from inch 2. Detach the connection where the flexible duct meets the circular end of the insulation is free of dust before the. Ducts can easily be neglected which is already insulated thicker, and this gun is GREAT used... A dryer Vent fitting at the back of the hardener to R-10 for the is! Several inches of headroom your ductwork does need replacingeither just pieces of fabric, preferably one fabric that... Pump Water Heater, Indoor air Quality and building Diagnostics insulating HVAC ductwork, use a foil, fiberglass! $ 6.50 to $ 17.50 a square foot installed with an R-6 or higher R-value 2! Air vents, apply caulk or expanding foam, not spray foam your!