Duct insulation wrap has been created for the purpose of saving energy throughout the life of an HVAC system. Duct insulation is installed on the exterior of rectangular or round metal ducts. It offers a range of beneficial thermal properties, controls condensation, and most importantly – reduces energy consumption during use. In this article, we’ll answer one common question among professionals – how to install duct wrap insulation.
How to install duct wrap
Before we begin with an explanation on how to wrap duct with insulation, it’s worth mentioning that duct wrap is made using fibreglass. On one side, the wrap has a foil vapour protective barrier that shields the insulation. Most rigid ducts used for heating and cooling are created using metal, therefore when heating – heat is quickly conducted out of the duct and when cooling – into the duct. As a result, the system suffers from inefficiency, which will certainly be evident at the end of the month when your energy bill arrives.
For this reason, it’s best to roll up your sleeves and install duct insulation. We’ll help you by explaining the process in detail.
What you’ll need for the process
You’ll need to prepare a few tools before you can begin. Take out a tape measure, your duct wrap, utility knife, foil tape, and a dust mask. Always remember to stay safe and wear a dust mask while working with insulation. This is extremely important as fibreglass fibres are extremely dangerous for lungs as they cause irritations.
Once you’ve gotten your materials all set, you’re ready to start the work.
Steps for duct wrap insulation
Establish the perimeter
First, it’s important to accurately measure both sides of your ductwork. Add the result you get from the measurements to establish the perimeter, which is the whole distance around the ductwork.
Clean your ducts
Before starting, it’s essential to clean and dry your ducts. It’s not necessary to thoroughly wash them but make sure that they’ve been wiped with a damp cloth or cleansed with a broom. This will ensure that the surface is dry and the sealant-to-duct can easily bond.
Cut the insulation
Lay out your insulation on a flat surface and measure the distance you’ve calculated in the initial step of the process. Just in case, it’s best to add about five inches to the measurement to allow for the thickness of the insulation and make an overlap to ensure you’re able to tape it tightly. Using a utility knife, cut through the insulation and foil layer gently. To eliminate the risk of ripping or shredding, use a sharp blade.
Tape the insulation
Once you’re done cutting, drape the blanket of duct wrap insulation around the duct. It’s best to start from one end where you’ve taped the insulation to the duct using foil tape and continue by pulling the other end tightly. You’ll see that you’ll be left with several extra inches of overlap. Tape it down and make sure it’s tightly attached to the insulation.
Repeat
After you’ve finished, repeat the step of measuring and cutting the second piece of insulation. Stick this to the duct using the same method as with the first piece of insulation. Attach the seam with tape around the whole duct where both pieces of insulation meet. Repeat this process until you’ve noticed that the duct is entirely wrapped.
If you’re looking for a quality foil-faced duct wrap, we’re here to help. Learn more about our duct insulation products and benefit from our years of experience and quality materials. We’re also here to support you with professional guidance and expert advice. All you have to do is get in touch.