How to Insulate Furnace Ducts Under a Mobile Home

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Black marker

  • Water-soluble mastic

  • Paintbrush

  • Fiberglass mesh tape

  • Scissors

  • Duct wrap insulation with an R value of 6

  • Foil-backed tape

Mobile home ductwork runs underneath the skirting.
Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Many mobile homes have a central furnace heating system, much like traditional homes. However, the duct work for the furnace system runs under the mobile home and attaches to the floor via metal straps. Although the underside of mobile homes often has skirting covering it, the space is basically exposed to outdoor temperatures. For this reason, mobile home owners must properly insulate the furnace ductwork so the furnace functions as efficiently as possible.

Advertisement

Step 1

Turn on the furnace system so that air flows through the external ducts. Crawl under the mobile home, detaching a section of skirting if required. Move along the entire furnace duct, which runs the length of the mobile home, and feel it with your hands to locate any leaks. Mark any leaks using a black marker.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

Step 2

Open a tub of water-soluble mastic and insert a paintbrush into it. Cover all leaky areas with the mastic, extending it one inch beyond the leaks.

Step 3

Cut pieces of fiberglass mesh tape the same size as the leak areas using scissors. Press the tape into the mastic and wait until the mastic dries completely.

Advertisement

Step 4

Move to one end of the furnace duct and wrap a piece of duct wrap insulation with an R value of 6 around it. Ensure the foil or paper side faces outward. Trim off the excess insulation using a utility knife and then secure the free edges using foil-backed tape.

Step 5

Wrap a second piece of insulation batting around the duct, butting the end up snuggly against the first piece. Trim the excess insulation and secure the free ends with foil tape. Wrap additional foil tap around the seam between the first and second pieces of insulation.

Step 6

Repeat the process along the entire length of the duct work until it is entirely insulated.

Tip

If you own a double-wide mobile home, there are two long ducts that run the length of the mobile home. Be sure to insulate both of them at the same time.

Warning

Do not compress the insulation as you wrap it since this lowers the insulation capabilities.

Do not use standard duct tape to repair leaks since this tape dries out quickly and detaches from the ductwork.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references