I’m building a home and I have started installing the forced air heat system. I know that standard duct tape is not recommended to seal the joints, but I’ve been told by a reliable source there are new types out there that work very well. I’ve heard pros and cons on the foil type, some say it tears over time. I’m building this place to last, as it’s built on family property. Most of the duct work will be enclosed, so this has to last forever.
Anxiously awaiting your response.
Replies
Two-inch Al tape is what I recommend. I've seen it 10 years after installation and it still has a tenacious grip.
Al tape is expensive, and many try to avoid the cost by coming up with unjustified reasons to badmouth it.
If there is a "duct tape" that is great at sealing ducts, I'd love to hear about it myself. The supply house and better HVAC guys here still recommend Al.
Isn't there a duct sealing paste that you apply with a brush? I thought I saw it on a TOH episode (newer). Not sure if you use that in conjunction with foil tape.
Yes there is a brush on sealer that is used at the drive slides and seams. Most HVAC supply houses have it or can get it. Use it and the AL tape that Mongo referenced, you get a trully leak free duct system
Dave
Lowes has the mastic also.
Bill, I have to admit that I don't shop much when I go Lowes or HD. I get so frustrated just looking for one or two items, that don't pay any attention to other things in the same isle. If I have to ask a "sales associate"to help me find something I can almost feel my blood pressure start to creep up. I stood in the plumbing isle of a Lowes for 45 minutes helping an older couple put together cpvc fitting for a damaged water line repair. Two associates could not explain or find the right parts for a simple repair. All I went in there for was an offset closet flang. They only had a two inch offset, and when I ask if they carried a one inch offset, they must have thought I was speaking a foriegn language.
I am going to have to practice yoga or do some meditation so I can pay more attentiom when i am in those stores :)
Dave
Where can I get the AL tape? What brand is it sold under? Is one brand better then the other?
You may want to take a look here - http://www.mcgillairseal.com/textDocs/products.html
Depends on what you are doing.
In attics:
I use mastic and fiberglass tape on sheet metal ducts.
I use the Al tape (UL 1081-A???) and band clamps for flex duct to sheetmetal.
Short runs of flex duct between the main runs and the registers makes the work a lot easier and quietier.