Insulation Over Ductwork In Attic

Use the type of metallic foil duct tape recommended by the insulation manufacturer to seal and hold the insulation in place.

Insulation over ductwork in attic.

Because the moving air is in the ductwork for only a short period of time it does not need the insulation r value the attic floor requires. If the insulation is below the tops of the rafters it s also time to insulate. If we put ducts in unconditioned space they have to be insulated to either r 8 if they re in an unconditioned attic or r 6 in any other type of unconditioned space. Install loose fill insulation to cover the ducts and the attic floor to meet or exceed the code required r value for attic insulation.

Most attic ducts are insulated flex ducts that is flex ducts with r 6 or r 8 fiberglass insulation along with an exterior polyethylene jacket. What would be bad is if the duct work is flex duct and gets mashed under the weight of the added insulation on top of it. When insulating hvac ductwork use a foil faced fiberglass insulation with an r 6 or higher r value. The rigid insulation was saturated from condensation.

I found instead a vintage 3 ton ac unit with 1 rigid insulation taped all over it and insulated flex duct snaking all over the poorly insulated attic. Have you ever considered the temperature differences delta ts across those different insulated surfaces. She asked me to go into the attic to find the roof leaks or where the snow is blowing in through the soffits. Snap a plastic cap onto the duct end then slip the preformed insulation over the duct.

Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Make sure the foil surface of the insulation is free of dust before applying the tape. So more would help. No amount of duct insulating will compensate for an under insulated attic.

Other times insulation may be on the outside. The existing metal ductwork in an older home may or may not have insulation. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. While in the attic inspect the insulation as well as the ducts.

Sometimes the insulation is inside the ductwork. Chances are in an older home the insulation may be lacking. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. The duct work is insulated to keep the condensate from forming on the outside of the pipes and dripping off from the temperature differences in the attic in the summertime with ac running.

Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.