Air Condition Duct Board

Duct board is a semi-rigid fiberglass insulation material often used for residential or light commercial heating and cooling applications in lieu of metal duct. Common characteristics include: Dimensions of 4′ x 8′, 4′ x 10′, and 8′ x 10′ Thicknesses of 1″, 1.5″ or 2″ R-Values of R4, R6, or R8.

Is duct board still used?

Duct board is a second option that contractor's frequently offer. This material has been around for fifty years or more and is basically large sheets of rigid fiberglass insulation with an attached foil vapor barrier. It has several advantages over metal installations that contractors prefer.

How often should duct board be replaced?

“If your ductwork is over 15 years old, you probably should replace it. Ductwork has a maximum lifespan of 20-25 years. By 15 years, however, it begins to deteriorate, significantly reducing your HVAC system's efficiency, so replacement is the prudent option.”

Is duct board safe to use?

GLASS DUCT CONSTRUCTION Testing using UL test proce- dures, however, has proven that fibrous glass duct board is a safe and durable duct fabrication material. Discussed below are issues specific to fibrous glass duct construction, as well as testing results and industry research that address these concerns.

What thickness duct board should I use?

The 11/2” (38mm) and 2” (51mm) thickness provides superior thermal value. Mean temperature is the average of two temperatures: that of the air inside the duct and that of the ambient air outside it. Note: Specified design thickness should be adequate to prevent exterior surface condensation.

Can duct board be cleaned?

Cleaning and Restoring Fiberglass Duct Boards Fortunately, these systems can now be restored through professional air duct cleaning. Fiberglass-lined or not, preventative maintenance and cleaning are always recommended for all ductwork.

What is the big dis advantage for using duct board?

The tools to cut and fabricate the ducts are expensive. Another main disadvantage is the fact that the materials are more expensive than a uninsulated metal duct but they are comparable to insulated metal systems.

How long does fiberglass duct board last?

Ducts are designed to last for about 10-15 years on average. They are made from a combination of materials such as fiberglass and plastic. At some point, these ducts will get damaged. The sooner you see signs of damage and do something about it, the better.

Should I replace fiberboard ductwork?

The problem with old fiberboard duct is that the fiberglass particles come loose and circulate through the house. These particles are inhaled by people in the home (or office), which is hazardous to everyone's health. When this occurs, the ductwork should either be replaced or reinsulated with safer material.

Can you clean mold from duct board?

Use an EPA registered disinfectant labeled for HVAC use to clean non-porous surfaces (Ductwork, coils, plenums, pans, etc) of mold, mildew, and other dirt. BIOSPRAY-TOWER ready-to-use disinfectant and mold cleaner will kill and remove mold, mildew, and odor-causing bacteria.

How do you repair a hole in a duct board?

And screw it down with thumb screw analysis self tapping screws. But with the seal. And underneath

Can I replace ductwork myself?

To answer the question of whether or not you can replace or install your own ductwork, I'd say it is possible but that I highly recommend enlisting the help of a heating, cooling, and ductwork expert. Ductwork runs all throughout your house, which makes doing DIY repairs yourself a heavy contracting lift.

Why is duct tape not recommended?

Duct Tape Can't Handle the Heat Duct tape can adhere to even the toughest surfaces and is able to withstand many things. But it does not hold up well against the extreme temperature changes of the air ducts. Heating cycles can cause the adhesives on duct tape to break down.

Is duct board mold resistant?

Fiberglass duct liners are resistant to mold growth and fiber erosion and prevent the distribution of airborne mold or glass fibers. When utilized with mat-faced air-stream surfaces, duct liners resist damage during installation, maintenance, and cleaning.

Should ductwork be wrapped?

Sealing your ducts to prevent leaks is even more important if the ducts are located in an unconditioned area such as an attic or vented crawlspace. If the supply ducts are leaking, heated or cooled air can be forced out of unsealed joints and lost.

How do you size a duct board?

Residential Duct Sizing Guide 10 inches per 100 feet of lineal duct. This "Equal-Friction" method of duct sizing should be adequate for normal residential furnace heating and air conditioning applications. Larger volumes or higher static pressures should be dealt with on an individual job basis.

What is the R-value of 2 inch duct board?

Thermal resistance (R-value) of 2" fibrous glass duct board is 8.7, which enables it to comply with energy codes requiring duct system R-values of at least 8.0.

Can you use rigid foam board for ductwork?

You can build ducts from rigid foam board to serve as the distribution system to circulate heated or cooled air in your house. As with all duct systems, it is essential that one built from rigid foam board is correctly designed so that the temperature is comfortable and consistent throughout the residence.

What is duct board made out of?

A duct board is a common form of heating and air conditioning insulation made out of fiberglass and a thin layer of foil. Each board typically is 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 cm) thick, and several boards can be assembled together to help airflow and maintain temperature.

How do I know if my ductwork needs to be cleaned?

11 Signs Your Ducts Should Be Cleaned

1. Vents & ducts are clogged with dust and debris.
2. Your air filters become clogged. ...
3. Unpleasant odor from ducts. ...
4. Mold & mildew presence inside or outside your HVAC system. ...
5. Unstable or poor airflow in the house. ...
6. Insects, rodents and other vermin infestation in your air ducts.