Sometimes, it is possible to do the wrapping without having to remove the duct, but this usually depends on the number of obstructions and the duct’s location.īesides preventing condensation, another thing you could do here is to enhance the thermal performance of your duct. The easiest way to go about insulating such a duct is to simply remove it, wrap it in insulation, and then just put it back into its place.
What is more, most ducts of this type don’t have ridges that can slow down the airflow (they are “smooth-walled”). Some homeowners have high-quality metal ducts that are more rigid and, therefore, more durable than flexible ones. There are several reasons why you may want to consider wrapping the duct in insulation by yourself instead of replacing it with a pre-wrapped one.įor example, not everybody has flexible vents. Here, it all boils down to removing your existing duct and replacing it with a new, pre-wrapped one. Insulating the duct on your own can be quite a chore, so going with pre-wrapped vent pipes instead is the best option for those who want to save themselves the hassle. They are usually wrapped in 1-2” of rock wool or fiberglass insulation and are very flexible. The standard length of these insulated ducts is 25 feet and most have 3-6” diameters (you can, however, purchase longer and wider ducts if needed). And it’s as simple as using a pre-wrapped insulated duct to replace the uninsulated one running through an unconditioned area. Solution #1 – Use a Pre-Wrapped Insulated Ductįortunately for those who don’t consider themselves to be very good when it comes to the DIY stuff, there’s an easy solution to this problem.
Bathroom extractor fan flexible ducting install#
And be sure to check out this post if you are yet to buy a fan, and wondering how much does it cost to install a bathroom fan. So, if your duct runs through any kind of unconditioned area, you will have to insulate it and, in that way, minimize condensation and keep the potential problems at bay.Ĭheck out this guide if you are wondering what is the bathroom fan used for. The worst thing that can happen is the formation of an ice mass, which is something that does happen when an uninsulated duct is exposed to freezing temperatures. Whenever water forms on the inside of a bathroom vent pipe, it will do so in the duct’s “low areas”.Īs you can already guess, this typically causes the duct to bend even more, which can lead to either partial or complete blockage of the airflow. One extremely big problem here is that water forming inside the aforementioned pipe can even lead to serious clogging issues. So, if a bathroom vent pipe goes through an unconditioned space – like the attic, unfinished basement, or a humid crawlspace – it will almost certainly develop water droplets or condensation. What is more, the same thing will occur if you take a cup of hot coffee outside on a cold winter day. This takes place whenever a cold glass comes into contact with the hot air. Whenever you take a glass of cold juice outside on a hot summer day, you are bound to see water beads forming on the exterior of the glass. Let me give you a very simple example of why this happens. I invite you to also read my article on venting a bathroom fan into an attic as well as my roundup of the market’s best bathroom exhaust fans.Ī sure way to end up with serious wall damage or mold growth problems is to have your bathroom ducts run through unconditioned spaces.
Bathroom extractor fan flexible ducting how to#
How to insulate the exterior duct collar with spray foam insulation.How to make a sort of “insulation box” around the housing of the bath fan.
Have no worries – I’m here to help you out. And that’s just one example of a problem caused by uninsulated bathroom exhaust fan ducts. This is mostly due to the fact that a vast majority of homeowners never even think that considerable water damage can be caused by something as simple as condensation.īut it undoubtedly can! In fact, if you have a duct running through an uninsulated, unconditioned attic, your entire garage could end up covered in mold. What is more, diagnosing these kinds of issues can be quite tough. Rare are the things that can be as frustrating as water leaks and other problems caused by bathroom fan ducts.
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