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Rewrap HVAC boots?
- Thread starter M6erfan
- Start date
juddspaintballs
Well-known member
Probably the easiest solution is to buy some duct wrap insulation, wrap it around the boots, and use the foil backed tape to hold it in place.
danski0224
Well-known member
There isn't one, if you are looking for the "easy way".What is the best/most painless way to re-wrap these?
If the problem area is limited to the register boots, and it is a basement (typically classified as "conditioned space"), then I would not worry about it.
If that wood next to the boot is an exterior wall rim joist, which is un-insulated, that is a WAY BIGGER problem than the missing 6" of R 4.2 that's missing from the ductwork.
There isn't one, if you are looking for the "easy way".
You confirmed what I was thinking.
If the problem area is limited to the register boots, and it is a basement (typically classified as "conditioned space"), then I would not worry about it.
The old 70 year old basement isn't "conditioned", at all lol. I can feel a lot of heat loss through the uninsulated boots, was hoping to help the air coming up t the upstairs living area, be a bit warmer.
If that wood next to the boot is an exterior wall rim joist, which is un-insulated, that is a WAY BIGGER problem than the missing 6" of R 4.2 that's missing from the ductwork.
Agreed. Plan is to insulate those exterior joist bays with some 2" foam.
Thanks.
danski0224
Well-known member
But it's warmer than outside, right now in winter, correct?The old 70 year old basement isn't "conditioned", at all lol. I can feel a lot of heat loss through the uninsulated boots, was hoping to help the air coming up t the upstairs living area, be a bit warmer.
Then by definition, it's "conditioned space". Or, it's supposed to be.
A blower door and pressure test would tell you how much the basement is "indoors" or "outdoors", and facilitate a plan to bring it "indoors".
danski0224
Well-known member
Spray foam it. Get estimates. There are contractors that specialize in this.Agreed. Plan is to insulate those exterior joist bays with some 2" foam.
But it's warmer than outside, right now in winter, correct?
Then by definition, it's "conditioned space". Or, it's supposed to be.
A blower door and pressure test would tell you how much the basement is "indoors" or "outdoors", and facilitate a plan to bring it "indoors".
Got ya.
Spray foam it. Get estimates. There are contractors that specialize in this.
You mean like pro installed closed cell spray foam insulation? If so, I'll pass. My plan for the rim joist is loose fit 2" rigid foam panel with spray foam around the edges. The ceiling joist bays will get single faced insulation.
danski0224
Well-known member
Spray foam on the rim joist also air seals the mudsill to foundation gap.
Floor insulation is not needed.
Floor insulation is not needed.
If youy are going to do this I’d suggest cutting the current worst back a ways exposing the boot and connection, getting a good duct seal and sealing it. Insulating doesn’t prevent the leakage. Seal and re-wrap. it is a joyful job.
PWC Repair
Well-known member
Looks like the problem is the installer used common foil tape for the insulation. It's done ALL the time but that doesn't make it right. Then years down the road it all falls off. You can pick up pipe insulating 'sleeve' at a supply house or maybe even Home Depot. Get the correct tape. Use scissors to cut small pieces and patch them in as needed. Not difficult, not expensive.
danski0224
Well-known member
FSK tape.
FSK tape.
So I went looking for FSK tape today. Holy moly, that stuff is rarer than hens teeth around here. Went to my local hardware store (none) and Lowes. Lowes website showed 9 in stock. Get there and of course its not where it should be. Arsed around for 45 minutes while employees looked (showed in stock on their internal site too), but I left empty handed. Home Depot, zilch (two stores). WTF is with this stuff, lol.
danski0224
Well-known member
You will probably have to order it online.So I went looking for FSK tape today.
None of the typical homeowner box stores carry large quantities of duct wrap, so they will not have the tape.
A quick search shows that the green and orange box stores have it available online.
Even commercial duct insulation contractors do not use it- it is a pain in the *** because it has to be cut, you can't tear it. The only place I see it used anymore is when "board" insulation is used, rigid fiberglass that's usually in 24 x 28 sheets, with a FSK foil covering.
The soft fibergalss duct wrap guys don't even staple much anymore, they are relying on the foil (not FSK) tape, and it usually comes off at some point in the future. The foil is faster... warranty is a year... so it's all good.
PWC Repair
Well-known member
You can also use af-100 or 181b-fx film tape too. They will all stick to foil backed insulation much better than standard foil tape.
You will probably have to order it online.
I did. Amazon to the rescue . . .
danski0224
Well-known member
The existing stuff will have to be cleaned. Obvious, but maybe not.
The existing stuff will have to be cleaned. Obvious, but maybe not.
Yes, but thanks. A good cleaning is going to be part of the whole inspection for failed insulation/tape.
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