Despite its name, adhesive tape is not the best choice for sealing air ducts. It may be able to stick to tough surfaces, but it does not hold up well to extreme temperature changes. Over time, the adhesive weakens and falls off, leaving the ducts exposed. Putty is a much better option for sealing ducts, as it is designed to withstand temperature changes and can be used in tight spaces.
However, an HVAC contractor will typically use a combination of putty and duct tape to achieve the perfect seal. Putty tape is an excellent option, as it looks like regular aluminum tape but has a suitable adhesive for putty. In 1998, researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) conducted a 3-month experiment to assess if adhesive tape, along with 31 other sealants, could stand up to typical conditions found in air ducts. The results showed that adhesive tape was not suitable for sealing air ducts. Iain Walker, one of the researchers, said: “We think that heat degrades glue and that's what's killing adhesive tape.”When it comes to sealing or connecting air ducts, it is essential to use materials specifically designed for the job at hand.
An easy way to determine if an air duct cleaning company is legitimate is to evaluate the tools they use. You'll also need to keep in mind that you may have to maneuver around ducts in tight spaces, such as behind drywall, placing screws on sheets of metal, surrounded by foam in the attic or in dirty spaces. Protecting ductwork isn't impossible, but you'll get the best results if you hire heating and air conditioning contractors who know the materials and all the relevant accessories. With proper use of the air conditioning system, the adhesive tape will fall off and the same, if not larger, holes will remain. However, it is essential that you pay special attention to the quality of the material and the area surrounding the duct system. It can also be difficult to reach all areas of the ducts, and you'll need to be especially careful when filling in important gaps, as you don't want putty to enter the ducts.
