Do I need to seal lengthwise ductwork joints?
#11
I'm getting ready to install ductwork for a new wood shop.  I have most of the duct pieces assembled.  I know I need to seal the joints between the individual duct pieces, but now am wondering if I needed to seal the lengthwise joints in the snap together duct pieces.  Can someone help me?

Thanks,
Ted
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#12
I did with foil tape.

Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. - Philip K. Dick

Mark

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#13
I did, too.  Saw it done on HVAC systems on This Old House, in YouTube vids on other people's DC systems.

Figured it was cheap and easy to do while the system was still in pieces at floor level; much easier than trying to find and seal leakage after the system is installed.
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#14
Back in "Oh One", I installed a DC system and duct work in the new shop. Sealed all of the duct joints with aluminum foil type HVAC duct tape. Went to a HVAC supplier and asked about a good, long lasting brand.  I purchased the recommended duct tape and after 19 years, the tape is till in place and no leaks. The tape was not cheap, but in the long run it was cheap insurance and prevented air leaks.

Applied the tape lengthwise and on the joints as each piece was installed. Easier to do then trying to go back and do when it is hanging from the ceiling.
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#15
Just don't use 'duct tape' to seal them....

Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. - Philip K. Dick

Mark

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#16
As they said: you d need to seal them. The foil tape really is the best approach to this.
I started with absolutely nothing. Now, thanks to years of hard work, careful planning, and perseverance, I find I still have most of it left.
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#17
Thanks to all. An HVAC guy I know said to use duct seal for the joints between sections. So my plan is to do that, but use foil tape for the lengthwise joints. Sound like a good plan?
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#18
(06-24-2019, 02:04 PM)meackerman Wrote: Just don't use 'duct tape' to seal them....

Kind of ironic that duct tape is great for just about everything, except sealing ducts.
If you are going down a river at 2 mph and your canoe loses a wheel, how much pancake mix would you need to shingle your roof?

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#19
(06-26-2019, 09:25 AM)tedrussell Wrote: Thanks to all.  An HVAC guy I know said to use duct seal for the joints between sections.  So my plan is to do that, but use foil tape for the lengthwise joints.  Sound like a good plan?

I've used both and duct sealant probably works better, but foil tape was easier for me.

Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. - Philip K. Dick

Mark

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#20
Not knowing what "duct seal" is, I'm guessing this is some kind of plastic-like goo you work into the joint? Anyway, at some point (trust me on this) you will want to take that ductwork apart. It could be a new tool needing a new leg, a rearrange of the shop, or (god forbid) a clog. The foil may be a little easier to break the seal since it's on the outside.
I started with absolutely nothing. Now, thanks to years of hard work, careful planning, and perseverance, I find I still have most of it left.
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