A well-sealed, leak-free ductwork system ensures greater comfort and better IAQ, and a spray sealant helps achieve this, says Billy Prewitt.

A high-performing HVAC system delivers clean, fresh, conditioned air that keeps out minimal pollutants, allergens, irritants, and unpleasant odours, and delivers the air at a comfortable, consistent temperature throughout the building. However, in order to perform at optimal efficiency, the ductwork system must be well sealed.

Until recently, the standard method of sealing ductwork involved buckets, brushes, and a crew of workers. But now, spray sealants enable application from outside the ductwork, which makes the job quicker, less labour-intensive and more effective. Spray sealing fills up a joint, rather than “floating” the sealant over the joint, as a brush application would. Further, spray sealing in tight spaces or crevices is not only possible but easy. A sealing job that formerly required a crew of workers can be accomplished quickly, easily, and more effectively by an individual using an airless sprayer.

The sealant is applied at an increased rate, at a consistently high pressure, resulting in better coverage and tighter sealing. The need for re-working is virtually eliminated when spray sealing is used. Total labour and cost savings of up to 50% can be realised from the use of the spray application method to seal ductwork.

Effective sealing of an HVAC ductwork system readily translates into better IAQ in the building the system serves. This is because a well-sealed, leak-free ductwork system excludes undesirable elements like pollutants, irritants, and allergens, and can better maintain at a comfortable more uniform temperature the air it delivers throughout the building. The delivery of clean, fresh, well-conditioned air in a building means a healthier, more comfortable indoor environment, which can readily translate into IAQ credits. Low-VOC spray sealants can also contribute to LEED credits.

The writer is Marketing Manager, Carlisle HVAC. He can be contacted at Billy.Prewitt@CarlisleHVAC.com