What kind of insulation, fiberglass or bubble pack, is best to use for the sheetmetal parts of a heat system? This particular system is in a well ventilated crawl-space (dirt, no vapor-barrier). House is in the San Francisco Bay Area and is sometimes in the fog. Thus, the condensation potential is high. New ducts are flexi-ducts so insulation is only an issue for the plenums, boots, and y-joints. Is it a problem to go over fiberglass with bubble pack?
Edited 9/22/2003 8:49:07 PM ET by Rachel
Replies
Foil face dense fiberglass is what we us to retrofit uninsulated ducts. If we don't use a pin spot welder to place the pins we purchase peel and stick pins. Place the pins on the duct and press the f/g insulation down over them. Slip the accompanying washer over the pin and press it into the insulation slightly as you bend the pin over. Use foil tape to seal the joints of the duct before you insulate and at all joints in the insulation.
The peel and stick insulation pins don't have to be used, but sure make the job a lot easier. You don't need to have several extra sets of hands to hold the insulation tight to the duct work. A pair of pins stuck on the top of round ducts acts as an anchor for both ends of the wrap. You should be able to get them at any HVAC supply, or look in the book under industrial insulation supplies.
Never heard of buuble wrap used as insulation except over swiming pools. Must be a left coast thing<G>.
Dave