Dave Hoh's Home Comfort & Energy Experts Case Studies: Encapsulating & Insulating Leaky Ducts in Little Silver, NJ

The newer ductwork/supply handler has issues with leaks at the flex trunk connections and is also lacking the proper insulation.

Upon closer inspection of the connections from the supply handler to the flex trunk, we observed holes through which conditioned air is leaking back into the attic.

The flex trunks are insulated with fiberglass, but this insulation does not effectively prevent conditioned air from leaking into the attic through the connection holes. To address this issue, we will use spray foam or ZypFoam sealant to properly air-seal the leaky connections.

Please note that the flex trunk in the bottom left corner has been air-sealed using spray foam. Additionally, we have installed SilverGlo rigid foam boards around the supply handler/ductwork and utilized orange ZypFoam sealant to air-seal the remaining ducts. Also, burying the flex trunks with the cellulose insulation that we installed in the attic can further assist in insulating the conditioned air. The encapsulation of the ductwork will protect the conditioned air passing through the ducting system, leading to a more comfortable and energy-efficient home.

This image depicts the completed project, showcasing duct encapsulation and the correct method for attic insulation.