Duct sealants play an important role in keeping the airflow balanced inside your home. They’re normally applied to joints, seams, and connections when setting up ductwork to prevent air leaks. Applying them correctly is paramount to meeting strict building code requirements and helping the HVAC perform better.
Your HVAC technician will choose from mastic, foil tape, aerosol, and many other options to create an airtight system. In addition to the installation process, the sealants are frequently used to patch leaks and cracks that develop in the ductwork over time. The following sealants are among the most popular options for residential ductwork.
Foil Tape
Foil tape features a layer of adhesive reinforced with aluminum backing. It provides a durable, heat-resistant seal for HVAC systems and ductwork. We often use it to seal joints and small leaks. Foil tape performs exceptionally well in Austin, TX, during the hot summer weather. Because it has such high heat resistance, it doesn’t break or crack easily.
When using the tape, we’ll clean and dry the surface thoroughly to ensure it doesn’t lose its stickiness over time. We may also use protective coverings to help it avoid getting dirty, which can impact its adhesiveness.
Mastic Sealant
Mastic is another extremely popular choice for duct sealing because of its durability and flexibility. It’s one of the best choices for sealing gaps and loose seams. The ability to brush or spread it onto the ducts helps create a strong, tight, but flexible seal. You won’t have to worry about it cracking or peeling because it’ll expand and contract as the system heats and cools.
A lot of HVAC technicians throughout Austin use mastic sealant since it has excellent resistance to heat and humidity. We can use it on both metal and flexible ducts, making it highly versatile for homes with complex setups. In hot Austin homes, mastic helps reduce energy loss and keeps ducts sealed tight.
Latex Sealant
Latex sealants work great, but only in certain situations. They are very similar to mastic but tend to be softer and easier to apply. Plus, this type not only dries faster than mastic but also cleans up easier with water. It performs incredibly well for small repairs, but we’ll never use it for sealing major joints or large duct gaps.
Austin’s hot, humid weather can make the latex crack and shrink. You don’t want this to happen because the seal will start to fail. Worse yet, your energy bills will skyrocket as the cooled air escapes. So we’ll only use latex sealant on minor fixes that don’t face much pressure.
Aeroseal
Aeroseal sealants deliver much more precision and effectiveness than foil tape, mastic or latex. One of our technicians will use specialized equipment and a pressurized system to blow the sealant into your ductwork from the inside. These microscopic particles actively seek out gaps and cracks, then bind together to seal the leaks automatically.
Aeroseal provides one of the most effective ways to boost your HVAC system’s performance and make your home more energy-efficient. We won’t need to open up walls or cut into ceilings—one of the main reasons homeowners love this solution. It also significantly reduces airborne allergens and helps control dust buildup throughout the home.
Duct Armor
Duct Armor is a thick, rubber-like material that does an excellent job of sealing leaks and improving indoor air quality. It’s a go-to solution for older homes with deteriorating ductwork. This product works as a coating system that lines the interior of damaged ducts.
Originally designed to repair rusty or mold-damaged sections, it now serves as a long-term fix in many challenging situations. We often choose it for ducts in damp crawl spaces or basements because it helps prevent mold growth and rust damage. Even though it’s considered a specialty repair, it’s a viable option for fixing widespread internal damage that simple patching can’t resolve.
Air Duct Insulation
Using insulation alongside various sealants is the best way to protect your ductwork and boost overall performance. The foam and fiberglass in the insulation act as a barrier that stops heat gain or loss as conditioned air flows through the ductwork. Some types even come with built-in vapor barriers or reflective coatings to further improve thermal resistance.
No matter the type of sealants your duct system has, it still needs adequate insulation to maintain energy efficiency. The HVAC will work better thanks to improved temperature regulation, and the parts won’t wear out as fast. Insulation also helps with condensation by regulating surface temperature, which translates into a reduced risk of mold problems.
Totally Cool Heating & Air is here to help you pick the best sealants for your duct system. We offer duct replacement, duct sealing, and more. Call Totally Cool Heating & Air now to access top-tier solutions for duct sealing in Austin.
