How To Do Insulation In Attic Around Ductwork
Other times insulation may be on the outside.
How to do insulation in attic around ductwork. How to insulate your attic duct system step by step with video instructions as winter nears many will begin to activate their home heating system to keep the house warm in the blustery and frigid temperatures that accompany the change in seasons. Repeat until all the ductwork is insulated. Apply a long strip of foil tape along the seam in the insulation. To install pre formed duct insulation start by disconnecting an elbow to expose the end of the duct.
Fiberglass is the most common type of insulation used. Most attic ducts are insulated flex ducts that is flex ducts with r 6 or r 8 fiberglass insulation along with an exterior polyethylene jacket. Apply several small pieces of tape across the insulation seam to hold it in place then seal the entire length of the seam in the insulation with a long strip of tape. Secure the insulation with short strips of foil tape then apply a long strip of foil tape along the seam.
To insulate the exterior you have a choice between sleeve style insulation and blanket wraps which literally wrap around the ductwork. Recently i had another hvac company come out and put in a new bathroom vent and they told me they believed the duct work was full of water. It was new when the ac was put in 7 years ago. I called out the original hvac company and they took a look and said they saw no water.
It should significantly reduce the heat transfer from the ductwork to the attic and reduce the supply temps entering the. Secure the insulation with short strips of foil tape. Now if you pull off the old 4 2 insulation and seal all joints and seams in the metal ductowrk underneath with duct approved mastic then reinsulate the ductwork with r 8 0 foil backed duct wrap you will see the greatest improvement your ductwork system is capable of. Flexible ductwork comes with different insulation r values.
Cut the insulation to width and length using a square and a sharp utility knife so that it fits snugly around the duct without compressing the fiberglass. To install preformed duct insulation start by disconnecting an elbow to expose the end of the duct. To install sleeves you must either disassemble the ductwork and slide it on before reassembling the ducts or as many homeowners find themselves doing slit it and wrap it around like the blanket style material. Wrap the insulation around the duct and pinch the seam closed.
When these ducts are exposed to exterior air the plastic jacket never gets cold enough to permit condensation because the hot attic air keeps the plastic jacket warm. Repeat to insulate the remaining ducts. It often comes in rolls wrap or blanket style with a foil backing and is relatively easy to work with. The attic ductwork is flex duct work.
Ensuring your attic is properly insulated is essential to this endeavor. Wrap the insulation around the duct and then pinch the seam closed.