Did you know that an impaired ductwork system can significantly cut down the HVAC system’s efficiency? Preferably, all the conditioned air moves directly from the heater to the living room. However, in risky cases, the energy escaped from torn or damaged ducts costs more in a single season and surpasses the amount of repair. So, you must know how to repair ductwork by yourself. 

What are the Types of HVAC Ducts? 

All ductwork systems serve a similar purpose. Though local building codes may specify the material types used, the installation method depends on its location. Don’t forget to wear proper personal protective equipment like a dust mask, eye protection, and gloves.  

Galvanized Metal Sheets Systems 

These systems begin with a four-sided trunk route or plenum. However, the system then moves division lines, manufactured with either round sheet metal or tiny rectangular ducts, to the distinct floor intrusions. 

The S-shaped clips and cleats are usually referred to as s-locks and drives, grab sheet metal duct pieces together, and screws hold round sheet metal ducts along. In contrast, the installers use foil-backed duct tape or sheet metal companionable to seal sheet metal duct. However, a few applications like a loft or enclosed systems require insulation to avoid condensation when using AC. 

Fiberglass Duct Board 

The duct type uses compact fiberglass boards with an external foil layer. A foil-layered duct tape, mesh, and duct sealing compound grab every joint together. 

Flex Ducts 

It is an easy-to-install and affordable duct featuring three layers: an internal layer that uses spiral wire rib to grasp its shape, a fiberglass center layer that offers thermal protection, and an external layer that acts as a vapor obstruction.  

When you install a flex duct, the technician slides the internal layer over the sheet metal collar. Then he seals the internal liner with a code-authenticated duct tape and locks it in place with a huge zip tie or worm-gear clamp denoted as a duct strap. 

Spider Systems 

The system uses a centralized plenum that nourishes several branch lines. Many branch lines link to a boot which delivers air to an interior space. Though the system required more than a single plenum, a huge branch line feeds every surplus plenum. 

How to Repair Ductwork Yourself? 

If you realize that your heating and cooling charges spike to unexpected levels, it implies that you require Air Duct Repair and Replacement in Lawrenceville. The key thing that typically causes a hole in the ductwork allows energy loss. To save your money, you may see if you can easily access the ducts. If it is, then you may fix this problem by yourself without taking the help of a professional. Below is the guideline to follow: 

Step 1 – Discover the Holes

Examine to see where the holes are located. You can do this by switching on your thermostat instead of auto. After you have done this, you may inspect the ducts to find where they are leaking. After you have identified the leakage, turn off the thermostat. 

Step 2 – Fix the Flex Duct

If you see that the flex duct is loose and has ripped off, you may have to take off the former Panduit strip. Then, pull the external layer and insulation back for about 8-12 inches, and fit the internal layer into what is referred to as the boot connection. Fix it using duct tape, and safeguard the internal layer using a Panduit strip. Place the external layer back, and secure it with another Panduit strip. 

Step 3 – Install a Rip

If the flex is torn, the first thing you must do is wipe clean the worn-out flex so that there is no issue while creating a seal. Keep the ripped part together, and fix it with some duct tape. After you do this, you may take some mesh and place it on the rib. Then, take the paintbrush and layer the mastic sealant over the net. Place plenty in the region. Allow it to air dry for at least ten minutes. If you see that the rip will not hold, try to staple it together. 

Step 4 – Test the Duct

Before you test the ducts, wait for some minutes until the sealant dries completely. After you are prepared to test it, turn on the thermostat. If you don’t feel any air moving through where the mend is, it shows that you have fixed the issue. 

Step 5 – Cover the Heat Duct

When you choose to use a caulk or caulking gun, then sealing the heat duct is a different experience. Wherever you identify a leakage, you may use the caulk to seal up the damaged region. You can use a putty knife to cover all the layers and junctions that require sealing. So, when you are unable to access any region, you may try foil tape and acrylic adhesive. It will grip it more strongly than duct tape. Make sure to inspect the caulking tube to see the duration it takes to dry before turning on the unit. 

Tips for Ductwork 

Here are some useful tips for your ductwork 

Tape the Tiny Holes

First, you must wash off the entire ductwork using soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and allow it to dry fully. Then seal the duct holes using foil-backed tape. It is completely safe for use in high-heat conditions. However, you must be careful of any tape that is not recommended for use on ductwork, as it may cause a fire hazard. 

Cover the Bigger Holes

If your ductwork has bigger holes, you need to measure its dimensions after HVAC Cleaning Lawrenceville. After this, you may add one inch to each measurement. Use a market to measure off these capacities on a section of 26-gauge sheet metal and pattern the section using sheet metal clippers. Then, layer the sheet metal patch on the hole. However, if you are patching a sheet metal duct, a screwdriver and self-tapping sheet metal screw might be helpful tools for the task. And if you have a fibreboard duct, fasten the patch using a foil tape strip along both sides. Lastly, the path is a bead of silicone caulk around the patch edges as it helps prevent any leakages. 

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