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insulating heat ducts

oldfred | Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on October 24, 2008 01:45am

Does anyone have any knowledge of the foil covered bubble wrap insulation?

The type I found is 5/16″ thick – two layers of bubble wrap sandwiched between two sheets of foil? 

I want to wrap 6″ diameter  hot air heat ducts , and this stuff looks like a better solution, for my situation, than foil backed fiberglass.   The ducts are in a laundry area and a shop space in the cellar.

I’m curious if, over time, the plastic bubblewrap  will be affected by the heat in any way. 

Thanks,

oldfred

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  1. qtsam2 | Oct 24, 2008 02:55am | #1

    i have been interested in the same thing. Reflectix Inc. has the same product as well as some type of spacers that allow you to have dead air space along with the bubble wrap. 

    http://www.reflectixinc.com/images/uploads/allpdfs/f14%20solutions%20for%20the%20hvacr%20professional%203%2004.pdf

    1. oldfred | Oct 24, 2008 03:59am | #3

      Thanks.

      That's the brand I found at HD and Lowes.   I just read through the online brouchure at the site you posted and found it is good up to 180 degrees f.

      I'd still like to know more about long term affects of the heat on the plastic bubblewrap.  

      They do list a phone number: 1-800-879-3645

      edited: to correct phone number

      Edited 10/24/2008 9:23 am ET by oldfred

  2. MSA1 | Oct 24, 2008 03:10am | #2

    Goto an HVAC supply house. They sell duct sleeves (fiberglas with a plastic skin).

    They also sell insulated flexible duct work.

     

    Family.....They're always there when they need you.

    1. oldfred | Oct 24, 2008 04:07am | #4

      I've looked at the fiberglass duct sleaves, and may end up with them, but would prefer the Reflextix type. Since the ducts are fairly low in workspaces, I figure I'll be bumping into them now and then and the Reflextix seems a little tougher.   I may be wrong........

      Thanks.

  3. Clewless1 | Oct 24, 2008 03:19pm | #5

    I went to the web reference posted by gtsam2 and read some of the material. This material apparently has an R-Value of 1.10. Additional R-value in the construction they showed (crawlspace in the joist) was from 'the revlective air space' These values are VERY high ... which makes me VERY skeptical.

    Even if the values are correct (which I have my doubts), they are only correct in ideal laboratory conditions ... which are rarely if ever achieved in real practice. I'm referring to the integrity of the reflective surface. As soon as you get a layer of dust on it ... there goes the theoretical benefit of the reflective material.

    As far as duct insulation, you may not have much, if any reflective benefit on the outside. On the inside, it's only there IF you have an air space ... and again, as soon as it gets a build up of dust ... poof ... the benefit disappears.

    There is a LOT of controversy surrounding the claimed benefits with 'radiant barrier' materials. You will find lots of believers. Radiant barrier 'insulation' and thermal mass is more efficient are both concepts that work under specific conditions that fairly often do not occur. The web site showed a lot of applications for this material that I thought were 'odd' (e.g. I think I saw one under a slab on a framed floor).

    I would not buy and use it w/out considerable reading regarding the limitations. I would focus my reading on independent evaluations of the product. I would not spend inordinate amounts of money for a 'high tech' product that is clouded in controversy. I would not rely on the stated R-values of this product (other than the 1.10 ... which ain't much). Be WARY!! That is my 2 cents ... now you/I will get an earfull from many that claim huge energy savings after they installed it.

    1. oldfred | Oct 24, 2008 04:59pm | #6

      I read the material at their web site and agree with your conclusions.   As for the dust issue, half of  the ducts are in my shop space and will always be covered  with a blanket of dust. 

      My goal is to reduce some heat loss in the cellar so the air gets to the living spaces a bit hotter, while still allowing some heat into the cellar shop and laundry areas.  The Reflextix looks like it might provide that compromise.

      I did just call the manufacturer of Reflextix and speak with a tech rep.  He said there is no danger of the heat affecting the bubble wrap in a negative way.  That is my main concern.

      Thanks for your post.  I'll take your advice and dig some more.

      1. Clewless1 | Oct 25, 2008 03:26am | #7

        Consider standard vinyl backed insulation duct wrap. Made for general exposure (and limited physical abuse) and you can get R-11 on up w/ it. Is this ductwork already in place? Make sure you seal it w/ mastic, too ... biggest loss is duct leakage.

        1. oldfred | Oct 25, 2008 04:27am | #8

          Yes, ducts are in place and snug to the walls in some spots - not a lot of room to wrap.  I'll check out the vinyl backed insulation.  Thanks.

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