When it comes to duct sealing, duct putty is often the go-to solution for many industry professionals. This sticky material is non-toxic, flame resistant, and can last up to 20 years when applied with a caulking gun or spatula. The duct sealant is a special compound that fills the cracks and voids in the ducts. The average homeowner may try to seal the ducts with duct tape, but this adhesive does not provide an effective seal.
High-quality adhesive tape, putty, or Aeroseal sealant are better options. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so let's take a closer look at what technique you can use and why. The DIY approach to sealing air ducts can save money, but it can be quite a challenge for beginners, especially if you are trying to access hard-to-reach areas or when there are hidden leaks behind drywall. Hiring an expert to clean and seal your ducts could save you doctor visits and medical expenses in the future. Butyl adhesive tape and oriented polypropylene (OPP) tape are good options because they can create a strong seal around duct joints and offer a high level of durability.
Despite its name, duct tape is not approved for sealing ducts and doesn't hold up well in the long term. A thorough inspection and proper sealing of the ducts can prevent holes that could cause diseases and damage the air conditioning system. It's interesting to discuss how sealing air ducts can help reduce your home's energy consumption. Leaks are a common problem in many homes; poorly sealed duct systems are reported to lose around 40 percent of heating or cooling energy. The Aeroseal is effective because it properly seals the ducts so that outside air or dust does not enter the pipe and spread throughout the house.
UL181 aluminum tape is ideal for high temperatures in the duct section of a home appliance and should be used to seal the joints of round ducts. A much better long-term solution would be to have a professional apply a liquid rubber sealant to the entire system. Sealing air ducts is often an afterthought in many home improvement projects, but it can significantly increase or decrease the efficiency of HVAC systems. If someone in your family has allergies or asthma, sealing the duct system can help reduce their symptoms and improve their health. A convenient option is to take a gallon bucket full of duct sealant and apply it directly with the help of a brush.
