When you hear the term “duct sealing,” do you immediately think of rolls of wide gray tape, stacked in the aisles of the hardware store or found near the mops and brooms in the “Household” row at the grocery store? I.e. “duct tape”? We understand…we wish it were different, but we understand. After all, this cloth-backed adhesive is advertised as "duct tape." However, on no account should you use duct tape to seal gaps in your ducts. First of all, you should always trust duct sealing to professionals who can locate all the leaks in your ducts and safely access them. Second, duct tape was never intended for ducts (it was originally called “duck tape”) and quickly fails when applied to them.
Professionals have different methods of performing duct sealing when you call on them. We’ll look at the two main methods that Bristol, NJ duct sealing specialists from Dynamic Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning apply when they come to a home to fix a leaky ventilation system. Our trained team is available 24 hours a day for any ductwork emergencies you may encounter.
Mastic Sealant
Mastic is a resin-based sealant that many duct repair technicians favor. It’s used in many types of construction and repair jobs for creating a flexible yet solid joint and to form airtight seals around fixtures such as windows and watertight seals around sinks and bathtubs. It adheres to almost any material, including duct board, making it useful for all types of ductwork. Mastic leaves behind a smooth surface after it dries, which means it provides little resistance to airflow inside ducts. It’s also waterproof, resists temperature extremes that affect ventilation systems, and will not cause corrosion over time to metal surfaces. Duct sealers will use a caulking gun to apply mastic to ducts.
Metallic Tapes
These are the true “duct tapes” used in professional duct sealing, and some technicians prefer them to mastic because they create an actual mechanical seal and tend to have greater longevity than resin-based sealant. Most of these tapes are made from foil because its lightweight. Metallic tapes have high metal resistance and many uses aside from ducts, and have proven their durability in other industries such as aerospace, transportation, and automotive.
The technique that a duct repair technician uses to seal your ducts will depend on a combination of personal preference and the specific issues in the ductwork. But you can trust that a skilled duct sealer will make the right choice for restoring the integrity of the ducts in your home.
Call Dynamic Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning when you notice ductwork leaks that are raising your heating/cooling bills and lowering air pressure. Our duct sealing service in Bristol will get your ducts back to airtight condition to help you improve your indoor air quality.