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
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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