The reflective roof already relieves a considerable heat load off the existing ducts so air sealing and better insulation will be icing on the cake for them.
Best way to insulate heating ducts in attic.
Our heating and ac ducts are 100 within the thermal envelope in the floor trusses above our insulated basement.
Ted has more than a few cobwebs in his attic.
Insulate and air seal any knee walls vertical walls with attic space directly behind them in your home as well.
Made from 1 to 2 inch thick sheets of rigid glass fiber and coated with an aluminum laminate for a moisture air barrier duct board comes in.
Apply a long strip of foil tape along the seam in the insulation.
The 1 800 square foot brick ranch in climate zone 4 dates from the 1960s but the previous owner installed both a furnace and ductwork in the attic just four years ago.
Use the type of metallic foil duct tape recommended by the insulation manufacturer to seal and hold the insulation in place.
To install preformed duct insulation start by disconnecting an elbow to expose the end of the duct.
For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices.
There are a couple of steps to insulating ductwork.
If it is located in a conditioned part of the house also remember to insulate and air seal your attic access.
Ok some people and contractors do insulate their ducts this way.
Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material.
Repeat to insulate the remaining ducts.
Insulation is rated in terms of its thermal resistance.
Determining the right r value.
Duct liner isn t generally a diy installation and if your ducts already have liner you don t need to insulate the exterior.
Secure the insulation with short strips of foil tape.
But if you go this route you re forgetting something super important.
In my case it is not practical to get my ducts out of the attic.
How to insulate the ductwork.
My next effort with those ducts is to air seal them the best i can and replace the 56 year old insulation with r6 or better.
Wrap the insulation around the duct and then pinch the seam closed.
Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.
Before insulating seal any air leaks and make roof and other necessary repairs.
When insulating hvac ductwork use a foil faced fiberglass insulation with an r 6 or higher r value.
Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.
And technically the ducts are insulated afterward.
It is best to work with an hvac professional who can make sure you are choosing the right insulation and installing it properly.
The unconditioned space also houses his hvac system.