What is the Problem with Owl-Flex and Some Other Flex Duct Insulation Products?
The loss of the protective plastic covering on flex duct poses several concerns including loss of the duct insulation, increased air conditioning system operating costs, and possibly air leaks out (if supply ducts are damaged) or un-wanted attic debris leaks in (if return ducts are damaged), and in-duct condensation in the HVAC system leading to mold and indoor air quality concerns. Discussing the page top photograph of badly-deteriorated Owl-Flex duct, Mr. Van De Ven had an interesting observation: I did an inspection yesterday and found some of the Owl-Flex duct work. The interesting thing that the most damaged portions were located near a window, that someone thoughtfully installed in the attic. Because we argue that if we completely understood any building failure, there would be no coincidences, we speculate that in addition to the role of of high attic temperatures in some gray flex-duct deterioration, the window cited by Mr. Van De Ven may have provided added light and possibly
Related Questions
- Insulation on ductwork in a residence: When running flex duct (i.e., Ys, boots, Ts, or short pieces of hard pipe) Does the insulation have to be foil back or have any kind of vapor barrier?
- Does cellulose prevent the common problem in Australia of insulation products not reaching their advertised performance after they e installed?
- The dimensional stability problem has the structure of insulation panel?
