How to Install a Tubular Duct
Cylindrical duct sections are used in main trunk or branch lines in household air duct systems. They serve as both supply air and return air ducts. Heating duct systems require 6-inch diameter ducts, whereas air conditioning requires 8-inch diameter ducts. Cylindrical duct pipe comes in 3- to 14-inch diameters, in 2-, 3-, 5- and 10-foot lengths. Each section has a crimped male end which fits into a regular female end, with each joint sealed with mastic and duct tape. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Rag
- UL-181 duct mastic
- Brush
- UL-181 duct tape
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Instructions
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Clean both the crimped male end and regular female end of the two cylindrical ducts that will be joined together using a rag to free the areas on any dirt.
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Apply UL-181-rated duct mastic all around the male crimped end of the duct using a brush. Push the crimped duct end into the other duct's female end.
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3
Brush mastic all around the seal where the two pipes join together, working the mastic into the joint. Ensure that there is a 1/2-inch overlap around the ducts on each side of the seal.
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4
Wrap UL-181-rated duct tape by hand around the seam and over the mastic by pulling off the paper from the adhesive side of the tape. Ensure that the seam runs along the center of the tape.
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Tips & Warnings
UL stands for Underwriter's Laboratory.
If a section of cylindrical duct has to be cut to size, make a perpendicular cut around the pipe with a duct pipe cutter. Then crimp around one pipe end with duct crimpers. Follow the directions above to install and seal the duct sections together.
References
- Photo Credit Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
