In our inspection of a homeowner’s attic in Little Silver, NJ, we discovered significant issues with the new ductwork, which was both leaky and under-insulated. The flex trunk connections were particularly problematic, allowing conditioned air—the air the homeowner pays for—to escape into the attic. This leads to higher energy bills and discomfort within the home due to temperature fluctuations caused by the extreme temperatures in the attic.
Solution
To address these issues, we applied orange ZypFoam sealant to the leaking flex trunk connections, effectively sealing the leaks. We also installed SilverGlo rigid foam boards over the ducts to further insulate and prevent heat transfer. In addition, burying the flex trunks with the cellulose insulation that we installed in the attic can further assist in insulating the conditioned air. By encapsulating and air-sealing the ducts, we have enhanced the home's comfort and energy efficiency, reducing the homeowner's energy costs. If you're experiencing discomfort and high energy bills, we can provide solutions to improve your home's efficiency and comfort.
The newer ductwork/supply handler has issues with leaks at the flex trunk connections and is also lacking the proper insulation.
Upon closer inspection of the connections from the supply handler to the flex trunk, we observed holes through which conditioned air is leaking back into the attic.
The flex trunks are insulated with fiberglass, but this insulation does not effectively prevent conditioned air from leaking into the attic through the connection holes. To address this issue, we will use spray foam or ZypFoam sealant to properly air-seal the leaky connections.
Please note that the flex trunk in the bottom left corner has been air-sealed using spray foam. Additionally, we have installed SilverGlo rigid foam boards around the supply handler/ductwork and utilized orange ZypFoam sealant to air-seal the remaining ducts. Also, burying the flex trunks with the cellulose insulation that we installed in the attic can further assist in insulating the conditioned air. The encapsulation of the ductwork will protect the conditioned air passing through the ducting system, leading to a more comfortable and energy-efficient home.
This image depicts the completed project, showcasing duct encapsulation and the correct method for attic insulation.
