Repairing Guides

how to repair torn flex duct

by Erika Willms Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Replacing Flex Duct

  • Remove the damaged flex: If disassembling a flex connection, peel away the old duct seal and cut the duct strap. ...
  • Install a Splice Connector: Fold the existing duct's outer liner over the insulation and slide it between the insulation and inner liner, leaving about 4 inches of the liner exposed. ...
  • Calculate the length of the replacement section: Measure the distance between the existing ducts' collars and add two feet. Increase this calculation an additional one foot for each bend.
  • Cut the new flex to the appropriate length: Stretch out the new flex duct to its full length. ...
  • Install new flex: Slide the inner liner over the splice collar, leaving about 1 inch of the collar exposed. Seal the connection with code-approved duct tape. ...

Part of a video titled How to fix tear in ductwork! Easy - YouTube
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And kind of wrap it all the way around this is actually tape that used for HVAC. Type stuff so makeMoreAnd kind of wrap it all the way around this is actually tape that used for HVAC. Type stuff so make sure you to correct kind of the tape. You want to take the tape.

How to repair flexible ductwork?

Sheet Metal Duct

  • Expose the leaking seam: Loosen the hanging straps or brackets on both sides of the repair area. ...
  • Repair the S-lock: When applicable, slice the old mastic from the perimeter of the joint with a utility knife. ...
  • Seal the duct joint: Cover the joint with a 1/8-inch thick layer of code-approved duct mastic, using a paintbrush to smear the mastic. ...

Can flexible ductwork be repaired?

There are a few different ways that you can repair the flexible duct, depending on what went wrong in the first place. First, if there is just a loose connection, a panduit strip can do the trick. You can peal back the outer layer and then use pliers to attach the new panduit strip.

How to install flexible ducting?

  • Space supports no more than 4 feet apart (a connection to a rigid duct or to equipment counts as a support point).
  • Supports should be at least 1½ inches wide.
  • In long horizontal runs with sharp bends, use extra supports before and after the bends.

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Do it yourself duct replacement?

you just need to make sure you have a long hose to reach into the ducts. Another way is to use a toilet brush, but if you don’t have one, a stiff-bristle paintbrush will do the trick.

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How do you fix a torn tear duct?

Cut a piece of foil tape large enough to cover the damage to the internal duct. Cover the damage with the tape. Use enough tape to extend about 3/4 inch onto the metal or plastic pipe and bridging the defect. Coat the repair of the duct with duct mastic with a stiff paintbrush.

How do you splice a flex duct?

1:032:15How to splice ductwork . - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake your other. Side. Put it over the splicing collar. Like that then once you get that completelyMoreTake your other. Side. Put it over the splicing collar. Like that then once you get that completely on there and you get your strap. And you tape it together then when you push this together.

How do you fix a hole in a duct?

1:062:12How to Repair Large Holes in Ductwork - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd screw it down with thumb screw analysis self tapping screws. But with the seal. And underneathMoreAnd screw it down with thumb screw analysis self tapping screws. But with the seal. And underneath the hole. Would screw the metal down should give us a nice strong bond.

What tape do you use for flexible ducts?

Foil tape: A UL Listed Foil Tape should be one of your go-to tools for joining and sealing joints, connections, and seams on rigid fiberglass ductboard and flexible air duct.

How do you seal a flex duct?

6:4410:29How to Air Seal Ductwork | How To Seal HVAC Ducts - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHere. It's a very thin duct tape so what I'm going to do is I cut away the insulation. As you can.MoreHere. It's a very thin duct tape so what I'm going to do is I cut away the insulation. As you can. See just to make sure we do it right we're going to go ahead and insulate. Or a hair seal this joint.

How long does flex duct last?

What is the functional lifespan of a flexible duct system? A search of industry articles, blogs, and chat rooms indicates it lasts from 10 to 25 years. Most flexible duct manufacturers warranty their products for about 10 years.

Can I use duct tape on ductwork?

There are many things that live up to their name, unfortunately duct tape is not one of them. While duct tape has many uses—wart removal is one that comes to mind—this sticky substance should never be used to seal your ducts.

How do you replace an AC Flex duct?

0:375:45How to Replace a Flex Duct - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can pull the wire out of the duct tape we'll just cut it down there and rip it right off it'llMoreYou can pull the wire out of the duct tape we'll just cut it down there and rip it right off it'll come right off we have a nice clean boot to attach to our Flex document.

Should there be holes in ductwork?

Holes in your ducts can let warm and cool air escape, compromising your whole system's efficiency. Worse yet, holes draw air contaminants, such as dust, mold spores, insulation fibers and chemical fumes into your home's air, compromising your family's indoor air quality.

Is foil tape better than duct tape?

Foil-backed tape: This is the best tape for heating ducts. It uses a large amount of acrylic or butyl adhesive to resist drying out and becoming brittle. The metal foil backing also withstands temperature changes without shrinking and failing the way cloth-backed duct tape does.

What's stronger than duct tape?

10X STRONGER THAN DUCT TAPE: FiberFix 10X Tape is the solution to all your breaks, tears, and cracks. Use your pocket knife to cut this heavy duty tape that WON'T TEAR, WON'T BREAK, AND WON'T GIVE. 1.88 in.

Can I use foil tape inside duct?

When sealing the air duct, you can use a mastic sealant. If you prefer using tape, the aluminum foil tape can help you get the work done. However, as with most HVAC related systems, it's always advisable to hire a professional when looking for more than just a simple seal with aluminum foil tape or mastic sealant.

How do you join insulated flex duct?

0:422:33Installing Flexible Duct - Insulated Duct - DIY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake your flexible duct peel back the plastic liner. Then peel back the fiberglass insulation toMoreTake your flexible duct peel back the plastic liner. Then peel back the fiberglass insulation to expose the inner liner. The inner liner goes around the take off all the way around and it smooshes.

Can you cut Flexible ducting?

1:177:43How to cut connect and install flex duct, flexible pipe for heating & air ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you can eat go either way. And go ahead and just cut this all the way through be careful you donMoreAnd you can eat go either way. And go ahead and just cut this all the way through be careful you don't cut or stab yourself. I've seen a lot of people do that cutting spikes dark.

How do you tap into an existing ductwork?

How to Connect To Existing DuctworkLocate and mark where you'd like to attach the take-off on your ductwork. ... After marking the area, use the sheet metal snips to cut a hole in the ductwork. ... Place the take-off collar, such as the one below, on the ductwork and screw it on.

Can I split a supply duct?

Splitting a duct will reduce the efficiency of conditioning that space. You will need to know if the HVAC system has enough CFM Flow for the addition to begin with. Ideally it would be best to run a line direct from the main box coming from the HVAC unit.

How to fix a small air leak in a duct?

Connections that are still connected but have small air leaks need the outer layer pulled back for inspection. If the inner is still attached simply seal the connection with mastic. Push the insulation back over the wet mastic and reattach with a panduit strap. Unattached inner layers will need to be completely redone. While you are at the connections make sure that the hanging straps are supporting the weight of the duct. Every place that there is a collar needs a hanging strap near-by.

How to inspect flex run?

Inspect the area where each flex run connects to a mixing box or a vent boot. If the flex connection has completely fallen off the collar then you must remove the old panduit straps and duct tape. There should be a strap on the inner layer and another around the outer layer.

Can you repair crushed flex?

There is not good way to repair crushed flex. All methods of rebending the wires will fail. The crushed section must be replaced. This does not mean that the whole duct run is bad. A new piece of flex can be spliced into place.

Can a rip in a flex duct be repaired?

Ripped or damaged air conditioning flex ducts reduce the HVAC systems energy efficiency. This can add several dollars to each month's electricity bill. Calling an air conditioning duct mechanic to fix rips can be expensive. This type of service call is almost all labor and profit. Even in the worst cases damaged air conditioning flex duct can be repaired by a homeowner for far less money.

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