Warming of air ducts

To keep your house cozy and energy-efficient, it’s imperative that you make sure it’s adequately heated and insulated. Air duct insulation is one component of this that is frequently disregarded. Although these ducts are essential for distributing heated or cooled air throughout your house, improper insulation can cause them to lose a substantial amount of energy.

The process of adding insulation to heating air ducts reduces heat transfer and avoids energy waste. You can lower your energy costs and carbon footprint in addition to increasing the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems by properly insulating your air ducts.

Warm air from your heating system moves through poorly insulated or unshielded air ducts to various rooms in your home during the colder months, causing heat loss. This implies that in order to maintain a comfortable temperature, your heat pump or furnace will need to work harder, resulting in higher energy consumption and utility bills.

Similar to this, in warmer climates, inadequately insulated air ducts can let cool air escape, requiring your air conditioner to run longer hours to make up for the lost cool air. This increases your energy expenses and may cause premature wear and tear on your HVAC system by putting undue strain on it.

Insulating Material	Benefits
Fiberglass Insulation	Effective in retaining heat, affordable
Foam Board Insulation	Provides excellent thermal resistance, moisture resistant

Regulatory framework for air insulation. Warm insulation scheme

The proper insulation and thickness must be chosen, and environmental factors such as temperature variations, the concentration of aggressive substances, and the humidity of the outside and indoor air must be considered, in order to achieve high-quality thermal insulation for the duct.

Air ducts that travel outside of buildings require extra layers of protection because wind, precipitation, and sun radiation gradually weaken the material’s ability to insulate against heat.

Elements of complex insulation of air ducts:

REALSED vapor barrier; insulation; fastening and reinforcing elements; external protection meant to offset mechanical influences.

To calculate the thickness of thermal insulation of the ducts, use SNiP 2.04.14–88 "Thermal insulation of equipment and pipelines". This document regulates thermal insulation for transportation systems of media with a temperature of -180 to +600 ° C and contains a detailed table in which all data are combined into a single register.
In particular, the permissible materials and thickness for each layer are listed: heat -insulating, vapor barrier and cover.
Calculation of the insulation is given depending on the diameter of the pipes and the temperature of the transported air.
is prohibited from the use of bulk heater when laying pipelines underground. For aboveground laying at an altitude of over 6 m, it is necessary to use a cover layer of fiberglass.
The standard includes 13 applications containing the necessary reference information.
The requirements for him apply, inter alia, to air ducts in large industrial facilities and civil construction systems, both state and private.

In the quest to make our homes more energy-efficient, one crucial aspect often overlooked is insulating air ducts. While we focus on walls, windows, and attics, the ducts that carry heated or cooled air throughout our homes can be a significant source of energy loss. Insulating these ducts not only helps in maintaining a comfortable temperature indoors but also reduces energy bills by preventing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. Additionally, it ensures that the air reaching different rooms is at the desired temperature, improving overall heating and cooling efficiency. By properly insulating air ducts, homeowners can create a more sustainable and cost-effective environment within their homes, contributing to both their comfort and the planet"s well-being.

List of heat -insulating materials for outdoor insulation

Different materials can be employed as isolation. They vary in terms of attributes and qualities as well as manufacturing component types:

• Mineral fibers -based products. These include mineral wool for air ducts, as well as glass cotton wool. Such materials easily take the necessary shape, are delivered in rolls of various thicknesses. Effectively cope with their task, ensuring high -quality thermal insulation. And also mineral wool does not burn and meets the requirements of fire safety, and fungi and mold do not start in it. Moreover, the material is affordable in terms of cost.
• Foam -elastomeric materials. Belong to the category of foams, are available in the form of plates with closed pores. Are fireproof – these are self -assembled materials. But also do not give in the influence of biological pests, do not absorb moisture.
• Materials based on polymer hydrocarbons. This category includes polyurethane, polyvicloride, polyethylene and similar products. Are strict and flexible, delivered in the form of blocks that must be cut into plates, or in the form of tubular sections. They differ in good sound insulation. It is better to choose materials with closed pores – they are more hygienic.

To select the best option, you must become familiar with the characteristics of the thermal insulation materials for air ducts before making a decision. These materials can have a variety of qualities.

1. Thermal conductivity is the most important characteristic, since it directly depends on it how effective the material will perform its functions. That is why it is necessary to choose a option with low indicators. It is possible to reduce heat losses due to the thickening of the insulating layer. The thickness of thermal insulation of air ducts on the street is usually calculated at the design stage.
2. Vapor permeability affects the service life of the insulation. Porous and fibrous materials are most affected by moisture, so they are additionally protected using a special self -adhesive tape.
3. The material should be resistant to biological influences – the occurrence of mold and fungi not only destroys thermal insulation, but can also be dangerous for people.
4. It is important to consider the working range – these are temperature boundaries, within which the material can be used. For cold climatic zones, you need to choose the option that will be as resistant to frost as possible.

Furthermore, the insulation that is used needs to be safe and shouldn’t be able to discriminate between potentially dangerous substances.

Fire retardant insulation of air ducts

Ventilation ducts must always be covered with a layer of fire isolation materials because they connect different kinds of buildings. This occurrence is required to stop the building’s exterior fire from destroying the duct.

Mineral wool firm mats and plates, as well as basalt fiber cylinders, can be used to insulate air ducts against fire.

• Mineral watering slabs are used for square air ducts, during installation they are fixed with hairpins and fixing washers or special screws.
• Firmive mats can be used for air ducts of both round and rectangular cross -section. Mats are sewn with wire. The length of the firmware mat for trimming is selected depending on the diameter of the air duct. The use of foil mats increases the functionality of the insulating layer and improves the appearance of the duct.

Long vertical air ducts require additional fire isolation that is fixed to the ceiling or other building structures. Use special steel plates or steel wire for consolidation. Construction and firefighting standards dictate how to fix fire-retardant isolation to building elements.

Different kinds of studs are used to the building to fix the fire insulation of the air ducts in a rectangular section.

It is acceptable to leave the duct’s upper surface uninsulated if the space between the air duct and the fire-resistant ceiling is smaller than the required amount of insulating layer. The insulation of the duct’s upper surface can be completed in part if this distance matches the insulating layer’s thickness.

Antipypees, which resemble painting compositions, have been used recently to increase fire safety air ducts. They are sprayed on the ducts’ surface using a spray gun, a brush, and a roller. When a fire occurs due to high temperatures, a fire-resistant barrier forms in its place instead of the protective coating.

How to properly insulate the air ducts

Air duct thermal insulation can theoretically be internal or external. However, because working with the internal type of insulation is more complicated, only external isolation is used in practice.

The thickness of the insulating layer determines its quality, which is influenced by humidity, temperature extremes, and other environmental variables. Experts should perform calculations, and SNiP 2.04.14-88 provides the formula for the measurement data. Independent calculation is not advised as there are numerous significant factors that will affect the outcome.

Ventilation duct insulation is completed in compliance with SNiP regulations, necessitating advance computations.

Systems used in industrial settings as well as private or public construction facilities are subject to SNiP regulations. The structures that are described have transported media that has temperatures ranging from -180 degrees to +600 degrees.

This is how the operating scheme will appear when roller insulation is used:

• The air channel is wrapped in insulation of the desired thickness;
• The insulation layer is attached with a flexible wire applied through equal steps. A self -adhesive layer of insulation does not require additional strengthening.

Extra pin fastening is required when insulating large-diameter air ducts with mineral wool. The air duct is wrapped with mineral wool after metal pins are welded to it. Minvata ought to be pining for something. Clamping washers, worn on each pin, provide additional reinforcement to the wound layer of insulation. Using wire, just like in the prior step, is the final step in fixing.

Sealing the joints between the product’s two halves requires special attention if completed polystyrene foam shells are to be used. The grooves are filled with waterproof glue, and it’s advised to use tape to secure the insulation.

Because mineral wool can be hazardous to humans, safety precautions must be followed when insulating air ducts with this material.

How to warm

As was already mentioned, we must categorize the ventilation systems into two groups in order to respond to this question. The first is related to engineering networks found in homes, businesses, dining establishments, and other domestic services. In other words, the ventilation system consists of a modest pipe wiring system that is not overly branched. Either naturally occurring air removal occurs, or air is forced out with the use of fans. Networks for industrial ventilation fall into the second category. They speak only of the imposed system.

Warming for household ventilation system

These are a few conventional materials that have demonstrated over time that they serve no purpose:

• Mineral wool of glass wool;
• foamed polyethylene (foam), covered with foil;
• foam, which today was replaced with polystyrene foam;
• asbestos slabs or solution.

All of the insulation options listed above fall into the category of affordable choices. The first two spots belong to a fibrous species with a high hygroscopicity indicator, meaning they absorb moisture quickly and easily, which eventually destroys them.

Therefore, waterproofing over the insulation is a crucial requirement for use. This is particularly crucial if air duct insulation is utilized on the street.

While roofing material was once used for protection, modern roofing materials use specialized membranes with a foil surface.

If the duct has a rectangular cross section, the slabs are installed.

Both round and rectangular pipes can be coated with asbestos solution, just like cotton wool. Installing a box to seal the insulation from mechanical exposure is necessary if it is to be used on the street. They use tin or roles as a box.

Insulation insulation insulation

All the materials mentioned in the previous section are also available for use here. However, they also have special technologies. As a result, when the topic of how to insulate ventilation pipes is raised, for instance, at the factory, Furthermore, multiple choices.

1. The use of polyurethane foam. This is a two -component mixture that is a foam. It is applied under pressure on air ducts, to which it easily sticks and envelops.
2. Ready -made heat -insulated ducts. They appeared on the roar relatively recently, but quickly became popular by reducing labor costs and increasing the speed of installation work. Manufacturers today offer air ducts with different thermal insulation materials: Minvata, polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, foam.

How to warm

In addition to having strong heat-insulating qualities, the insulation must be temperature-resistant, meaning it must pose a minimal fire risk. The price and simplicity of installation are key indicators. It is challenging to single out one material to emphasize because every insulator has unique benefits and drawbacks. Think about the typical heaters used to preheat the ventilation pipe.

Mineral wool

The primary benefits of this material are its complete fire safety and reasonable price. However, there are also a number of drawbacks, such as the need to safeguard the breathing and vision systems and a difficult installation procedure. Gaps appear as a result of the insulation shifting with time. Vata absorbs moisture, which deteriorates the properties of thermal insulation.

Mineral-colored wool

With specialized scissors or a knife, cotton wool pieces of the desired size are quickly and easily cut out.

Miniral cotton wool is used to wrap the ventilation canal before a layer of foil or galvanized protection is applied. The structure is secured from the outside using unique bandages. Using insulated corrugation will help you avoid some of the drawbacks of mineral wool, but it will require a complete overhaul of your ventilation system.

Styrofoam

Polystyrene-insulated pipes are virtually impervious to corrosion and have multiple service life extensions. The primary component of isolation is a foam shell, which can be installed without the need for specialized training. All that’s needed for installation is to compress the two insulation sections and secure the joint.

Insulation shells made of foam are dependable and easy to use.

Insulation shells made of foam are dependable and easy to use.

Foam ensures dependable thermal insulation because its characteristics remain constant despite variations in humidity. Since foam is inexpensive, insulation is the primary application for it. But when the temperature rises, the foam’s characteristics change; it ignites quickly and releases harmful combustion products. Straight pipe segments are used with the shell.

Poliuretan foam

Not all of the shell is composed of foam. The way that the polyurethane foam shell is used is comparable to that of the earlier choice. However, this insulator is more expensive, has less strength, and requires mounting the bandage in order to fasten. Knitting wire serves these purposes.

Your preferences and the ventilation system’s features will determine which insulation you choose.

• Waterproofing of the external and internal walls of the house
• Insulation for walls of a house outside for siding

Thermal insulation of the exhaust system of the house

Extension is a crucial component of contemporary bathrooms. cooking and using hot water, which resulted in excess couples and moisture entering the street. Condensation forms on the duct’s surface as a result of the significant temperature differential between the air and its surroundings. Corrosion has covered the metal. Furthermore, moisture that has accumulated seeps through the room’s ceiling and walls. Thermal insulation is applied to the duct to stop condensate from forming. How can the hood of a private home be insulated?

An internal insulating layer is a must if the exhaust factory system was purchased and installed. However, this section of the duct stays inside the space. Mineral wool can be used to insulate a private home’s hood, which is situated outside the main house.

The pipe is initially cleared of debris, dust, and dirt. The pipe is then wrapped after that. The construction standards are used to calculate the material’s thickness. However, one layer of mineral wool, five centimeters thick, is usually sufficient. Fasteners are attached with tape. In this instance, aluminum adhesive tape is used to glue the seams. Cotton wool is covered in reflective thermal insulation that has a 2 cm thickness on top of it. A sticky foil tape is used as an additional glue for all connecting seams.

The gas heating in the garage is definitely a little risky because liquefied methane propeller-filled explosive cylinders have to be kept inside.

Project for steam heating of residential and non-residential spaces is ready and free.

Warming of the outside airflow. Does the ventilation pipe that goes through the attic need to be insulated? Insulation is necessary if the attic isn’t heated.

When selecting the material, the likelihood of rodent damage to the insulation is considered in addition to the risk of moisture penetration. Here, foamers are appropriate.

The fact that they are made in the shape of a kind of shell makes installation much easier.

The following plan is followed when exposing exhaust ventilation:

• the choice of suitable thermal insulation;
• its installation;
• Installation of a protective casing.

The size of the air duct itself is taken into consideration when selecting thermal insulation. If not, there’s a chance that the insulation won’t cover the entire duct surface or that it will overlap, which will also negatively impact the duct’s ability to protect. Additionally, a shell is cut with a knife or saw before installation.

Contemporary materials have a lock-paz castle connection. You are not allowed to break it while installing it. If not, the insulation will slide off the pipe’s surface.

Supply ventilation heating is completed by installing a protective casing and gluing joints with a special ribbon. It has bandages attached to it.

Foil-covered mineral wool is perfect.

Utilize rectangular ductwork. How can the rectangular cross-section exhaust ventilation be insulated? Both roll and slab material can be used here. Basalt fiber is your best bet. It is not accommodative and does not aid in the spread of fire. Installing a hydro- and vapor barrier eliminates the drawbacks of vapor permeability and hygroscopicity.

How can ventilation in a private home with a rectangular cross section be insulated? Get the insulation ready to the appropriate thickness. Cut it into sections that are easy to install. Steel wire that has been pumped is used as fasteners. Adhesive tape, foil, and seam sealing are helpful.

The tasks are completed in the following sequence:

• installation of insulation;
• gluing joints;
• fasteners with wire;
• winding with protective, foil insulation;
• Fixation of the protective shell.

They need to wear personal protective equipment when handling basalt fiber.

Errors in the design of ventilation systems

The ventilation pipe’s insulation

The most common design mistakes that result in an increase in acoustic noise are as follows:

• irrational installation of noisy ducts over rooms requiring a low noise level. Such noisy air ducts should be installed exclusively above the working and storage facilities, if it is impossible to change their location, and they will be located above the living rooms, receptions and bedrooms, then it is worth wrapping the pipes with insulating material, thicken their walls. In addition, in order to reduce noise due to turbulent air flows, it is worth installing oval or round air ducts;
• The use of recirculation air systems without special air ducts. The air in such a system should be directed through the air duct, and not along the cavity of the false heat and ceilings. Otherwise, the noise from the air that is freely circulating along this cavity will simply be unbearable for the residents;
• Lack of vibration insulation of the duct. Vibration insulation measures include, first of all, the installation of vibrating elements that serve as a kind of counteracting natural vibration in the system. In addition, it is worth remembering that all compounds of the pipes adjacent to the elements of the equipment should be flexible. A self -extinguishing noise arising due to the fault of turbulent air flows can be eliminated by installing large air -water pipes, with which the air flow slows down. Turbulent flows can occur in any area of ventilation, and the noise that they create creates big problems for those who are in a ventilated room for a long time.

Thermal insulation of air ducts

In order to lower heat loss from ventilation and consequently lower heating expenses, thermal insulation for air ducts can be used. Ventilation systems’ external components are covered in thermal insulation to reduce and regulate heat losses.

The thermal insulation device allows the following issues to be resolved in different parts of the air ducts:

• When moving warm air flows through the extended areas of ventilation systems, it is necessary to maintain their temperature at a certain level. The type of thermal insulation and its thickness is determined using heat engineering calculations based on the technical conditions of operation of ventilation.
• Thermal insulation is also necessary for air ducts transporting cold air. This event is necessary to protect cold air flows from heating with warm air surrounding ventilation ducts. In the absence of thermal insulation, the effectiveness of the air conditioning system is significantly reduced. Correctly arranged thermal insulation makes it possible to achieve specified temperature conditions and ensures the correspondence of the operation of the ventilation and air conditioning system without additional settings.

The following insulation types are successfully used to ensure the thermal insulation of the air ducts of climate systems: foil mineral wool mats, foamed rubber, foamed polyethylene, materials based on basalt fiber, and foamed rubber with an aluminum foil coating.

Thermal insulation can be external or internal, but it is pointless to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of internal isolation since, in reality, no one insulates the ducts from the inside.

The duct’s thermal insulation thickness is contingent upon various environmental factors, including temperature, humidity, and aggressiveness. The thickness of the insulation should only be calculated by trained professionals. The following link will download SNiP 2.04.14-88, which contains the calculation formula:

SNiP 2.04.14-88*. Pipelines and equipment with thermal insulation. Download.

Foil reflecting thermal insulation is a commonly used insulating material. Read our article to learn about its benefits and application features!

Learn the proper way to insulate a basement or cellar.

Materials for thermal insulation of air ducts

The selection of materials for air duct thermal insulation is quite broad. Conventional are:

• mineral wool;
• glass wool;
• Foam -elastomers are a foamed type with closed pores, very flexible;
• derivatives of polymerization of hydrocarbons, which include all famous polymers: PVC, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyurethane.

Naturally, this is by no means an exhaustive list, but it is important to note that not all heaters are suitable for thermal insulation of the ventilation system. Since they must meet a number of requirements, chief among them being the ability to withstand the growth of microorganisms; fire resistance is not the final prerequisite.

Materials for air duct thermal insulation

Furthermore, the primary feature of thermal insulation remains the thermal conductivity indicator, which ought to be among the lowest. So let’s focus on a few heat insulators in more detail.

Mineral wool

Mineral wool has a thermal conductivity of 0.036 W/m. The standards state that a minvat spread out in a layer of 2.5 cm can withstand temperatures as low as minus 40 °C. In addition, manufacturers provide a roll option that offers the standard thickness of at least 4 cm.

It is advised to use materials with an external foil layer for street thermal insulation. It limits the damaging effects of mechanical loads and moisture. There is a duality in this insulation for ventilation. Regarding one side:

• This is one of the cheapest heat -insulating materials;
• It is easy to lay it on air ducts, wrapping pipes and fastening with wire, tape or clamps;
• The thickness of 5 cm provides reliable thermal insulation, which guarantees the complete absence of condensate formation and a decrease in thermal losses to zero.

Mineral wool, on the other hand, has a limited operational resource. It loses its properties when it comes into contact with moisture, so when it’s laid over air ducts, protective barriers like waterproofing films, neoprene sheets, or metal covers made of aluminum or galvanized sheets are required.

Rolled materials

There are many different types of heaters in the category of roll materials that are used to thermally insulate ventilation systems. Compared to the others, two are utilized more frequently. This is artificial rubber that has been foamed and polyethylene that has a closed porous structure.

The first is applied to medium and small air ducts to provide thermal insulation. Shape it into a single or double-layered roll. Usually, it is processed with a glue composition and covered in a protective film on one side and covered in aluminum foil on the other. That is, a self-adhesive heat insulator made of foamed polyethylene rolled. One of its benefits that makes installing air ducts easier is this.

There are further advantages as well:

• This is not toxic material;
• It has sound and vapor barrier qualities;
• The colonies of microorganisms do not appear and do not appear on it.

Rubber foam is less expensive than polyethylene. In addition to being produced in rolls, it can also be ordered as a finished sleeve that just needs to be pulled onto the air ducts. It is most frequently utilized on an industrial scale as thermal insulation. Manufacturers provide foil models with and without an adhesive coating, as well as self-adhesive brands.

Foam polystyrene

As previously indicated, this material is used in the form of plates or cylinders to insulate air ducts from heat. If the ventilation ducts need to be insulated, the first form is utilized. It is also important to realize that the pipes’ angles won’t be well covered. Thus, mounting foam is also inserted into the joints where the plates connect.

The round section’s ducts are made of shells in this case. In the rooms without it, on the street covered in an outer layer of foil. This kind of air duct thermal insulation has a good heat conductivity indicator of 0.035–0.044 W/m K. The polystyrene foam density determines how widely the indicator scatters; at a density of 10 kg/m³, thermal conductivity is 35 kg/m³, or the upper value.

Foil insulation

Such a category for air duct insulation does not exist. In other words, there is a foil model with a specific function on top for each category. It is typically a layer reflecting heat energy. Its secondary objective is to shield the insulation from mechanical damage and operational circumstances.

The choice of material

Insulation for ventilation

First and foremost, it’s important to make the proper thermal insulation choice. It should possess several attributes that will subsequently influence the ventilation system’s operational capabilities. The cost of the materials and the difficulty of installation must also be considered.

When making a decision, the level of thermal insulation takes precedence. The insulation’s primary goal is to maximally approximate the pipe’s surface temperature to the degree of heating caused by warm air exiting the house. There is no other way to eliminate the condensate appearance. You can use a variety of materials to accomplish this:

• Basalt cotton wool. The best option for arranging already finished or only installed ventilation. Its fibrous structure can completely repeat the shape of the air channel. The disadvantage is hygroscopicity – basalt wool gradually absorbs moisture. For protection, installation of the external waterproofing layer is necessary;
• Foam shell. It is made only for pipes of round section and a certain diameter. The advantage is ease of installation, good heat -insulating qualities, water resistance (in detail). Similar qualities have polypropylene foam. It differs only in a denser structure;
• Foamed polyethylene. This is an elastic polymer material that can be purchased in rolls or in the form of a soft shell. Some models have an adhesive basis for ease of installation.

The thickness of the material is one factor to consider when selecting a particular kind of thermal insulator. In Russia’s middle regions, installing thermal insulation with a thickness of 20 to 50 mm is sufficient. The amount of insulation that needs to be installed on the ventilation system increases with decreasing winter temperatures.

Noise and vibration insulation of the air ducts system

Like any equipment operation, operating air ducts will inevitably result in noise and vibration. There are several reasons why they occur, including the following:

• Fan, compressor, electric motor, and other equipment operation; •Aerodynamic factors causing vibration in boxes, particularly at section joints and turn locations; •Effect on turbulent air flow design.

Uncomfortable and inconvenient noise that is hard for humans to hear permeates the space. In public spaces like offices and buildings, where acoustic comfort is crucial, extra effort is put into reducing noise coming from air ducts. Soundproofing coatings and specialized "noise-lipsticks" are used to reduce and muffle sound. Experts frequently compute and integrate the ducts’ internal and external thermal insulation with sound insulation. You can never again suffer from vibration and noise thanks to properly insulated air ducts.

Fire protection. Increasing fire resistance of air ducts

Modern buildings are required by fire safety regulations to have ducts that can withstand a fire for a minimum of thirty minutes. The most popular material for air boxes, galled steel, can withstand fire for ten to fifteen minutes at most. increase the air systems’ fire resistance to the necessary degree using an external thermal insulation device. However, only properly implemented fire safety measures will produce the required and trustworthy results.

Many sections are required for safety in modern construction. This list includes air supply systems, their thermal and sound insulation, and their fire and sanitary safety. Imaginary savings should not be allowed to entice one into making unreasonable spending decisions.

Competent design and careful calculations are required to ensure that the costs of thermal insulation for the ducts do not go over reasonable bounds. It should have been determined in the design documentation how many, what kind, and how heat-insulating layers should be installed. Both the insulation’s thickness and a particular brand are mentioned. All necessary turnkey work can be completed by our company.

What is the thermal insulation of pipes for

Condensation forms in unheated areas where warm air masses come into contact with the cold walls of the building after exiting the heated room through designated taps. It is risky because it corrodes metal over time (three to four years is enough for galvanized iron), and it can cause icing and the disintegration of structural pieces in the event of a sudden drop in temperature. Furthermore, elevated humidity in the attic encourages the growth of mold and fungus foci, which then spread to the residential area.

The causes of the wet air in the attic appearing

Drops trickling down the cooled surfaces land on the floor, gather, and get absorbed into the ceilings’ structure before they have a chance to evaporate.

Water can destroy both concrete slabs and wooden beams over time, regardless of the type of material used in the construction process.

Either all of the spaces where the structural components are located must be heated, or the ventilation ducts must be insulated and vapor barriered to prevent the appearance of moisture. In the event that the attic, for instance, is spacious, the second approach is simpler and more sensible.

Thermal insulation measures serve more than just keeping moisture out of the system. Silence is just as important for comfortable living as dryness, so thick basalt mats or thin foam make good noise absorbers. It is not unnecessary to use SNiP regulations (SNiP 2.04.44-88, for example) to regulate the arrangement of ventilation systems in apartment buildings when building a private residence.

Self-insulation of plumbing in a home made of wood

How to carry out isolation

Ways to insulate street air ducts

1. The old thermal insulation layer should be removed if a flexible duct has already been insulated.

2. The surfaces are cleared of any leftover glue and other protective materials.

3. They must cover a flexible duct if the insulation is in the form of a roll or sheet. The number of layers is determined by the thermal insulation requirements. Self-adhesive thermal insulation is the best choice.

4. A reinforcing frame (made of metal or synthetic mesh) is required when using polyurethane thermal insulation. It is fastened with bolts or clamps from a metal tape and pulled on a flexible duct.

5. Installing insulation in the form of mats on a flexible duct takes the longest time to complete. Knitting wire, tapes, and clamps are used as fasteners.

6. The heat-insulated duct is sealed with a mechanical protection casing and a layer of waterproofing (either galvanized tin, leaf aluminum, or neoprene is used). Use of strong, dependable materials with the longest operating life is necessary for high-quality waterproofing. Temperature fluctuations, wind, precipitation, and sun radiation should not harm the protective covering.

How to warm the air ducts indoors is performed

Despite the fact that the ducts are very often located indoors, they also need to be insulated.
The technology of insulation is practically no different from the isolation performed on the street, the only difference is that it is not necessary for it to use the protective layer, unless the ducts are located in rooms, which are increased or available any aggressive environments-then it is unlikely that it is possible to do without protection.
However, most often in apartments and private houses isolation is used, similar to thermal insulation of the floor or walls. For this, the ducts are covered with a special membrane, which is used to ensure waterproofing. Next, the insulation is laid, which is covered with another layer of membrane or aluminum foil, and the last option is preferable, since it acts as a kind of steam barrier.

How to calculate the necessary thickness of the insulation

The material’s indicators, such as the surface heat transfer and the heat conductivity coefficient, must be considered when determining the required thickness of the insulation. For instance, the heat transfer of felt and mineral wool is 0.045, that of polystyrene, polyurethane foam, and polystyrene foam is between 0.040 and 0.37, and that of foamed rubber is 0.03. The thin layer of insulation can be used in the air duct process to a greater extent when the level of thermal conductivity is lower.

Methods and materials for ventilation insulation

These include:

1. The use of roller materials (mineral wool insulation, foamed polyethylene, foamed rubber).
2. The use of “shells” (cylinders for pipes, can be made from mineral wool, foamed polyethylene or rubber, foam or epx, polyurethane foam).

Sheet materials (extruded polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam, and PPU sheet) can be used to insulate ducts, but only in square and rectangular shapes. This option is rarely used because it requires a lot more time and effort to mount and results in a large number of joints between the sheets.

First, the shape of the ventilation room is taken into consideration when choosing the insulation type and method:

1. For round channels: you can use roll insulation and "shell". The sheet material for a round duct is not suitable, since it will not work to bend.
2. For rectangular and square channels: only roll insulation can be used.

Insulated air ducts that are round or rectangular

Furthermore, the pipe can be worn above the insulating layer:

1. Galvanized casing.
2. Plastic casing.

Since this protection is meant to stop mechanical damage to the insulation, it is not necessary in private homes.

The use of roller materials

The way this air duct insulation option is used is straightforward:

1. The duct is densely wrapped in insulation.
2. So that the insulation does not fall – it is attached to equal steps with a soft wire.

Pins are used in addition to wire for fastening when discussing large diameter air ducts that are insulated with mineral wool. For this:

1. The pins are welded to the outer surface of the ventilation duct using the contact welding device.
2. Mineral wool is tightly wrapped on an air duct, poured onto the pins.
3. On top, wound insulation is fixed with clamping washers, which are attached to each pin.
4. Further, for additional fixation, wire is used, which is wound on top of the insulation.

Foil

The following justifications make the roll insulation method beneficial:

• simple and fast in application;
• allows you to create a layer of insulation without seams and joints;
• If necessary, it allows you to quickly remove the heat insulator in the desired area (for example, for the repair of the pipe, or to replace the insulation).

Here are some possible uses for the materials:

1. Mineral water heater. The option is the most common, cheap and effective. Common thickness – 5 cm, on sale you can find rolls with a thickness of 4 to 8 cm. It is convenient to use thicker minvat only for large diameter pipes, which are not used in low -rise residential construction. There are insulators with an external foil layer (increases efficiency and serves as additional mechanical protection) from the minuses – Minvat is curtains and crumble over time, and work with it – you need to carefully.
2. Foamed polyethylene. The option is simpler and cheap, but also less effective. The thickness of such a heater is small (from 2 to 40 mm), so it will have to be wrapped in several layers.
3. Foamed rubber. Practically the same as foamed polyethylene.

Selecting the first option is the simplest when it comes to choosing an insulator for an air duct.

Insulation of a rectangular air duct with mineral wool (video)

The use of the shell

A cylinder made of cake is placed on the insulated site. That is to say, it is a booster material-made pipe. It might be:

• mineral wool;
• foamed rubber;
• foamed polyethylene;
• foam/epx;
• Poliuretan foam.

The shell is available in two configurations: solid (which can only be worn on the pipe when installing an air duct) or separate (which can be worn on a functional and ready-made vent system).

Insulating pipe shell made of polyurethane foam

The areas that pass through walls are perfect for using the shell because it would be very difficult and inconvenient to wrap the rolled insulation there. Moreover, using the shell in direct areas is convenient. However, at the pipe’s turning point, the cylinder will not function, forcing you to use the mat.

The following is how the shells are used to insulate ventilation:

1. A shell is put on the pipe.
2. If the shell is separate – its parts are fastened with each other with the help of glue (reliably, but it will be more difficult to separate them if necessary) or wire (a simpler and more convenient way).
3. Joints between the cylinders – glued with construction tape.

Installation procedure

The chosen material directly affects the insulation installation technique. Taped basalt wool is used to secure it.

Sealing connecting seams is given special attention when installing the completed foam shell.

Mounting the heat insulator across the whole ventilation system is not required.

In specific pipeline sections, it’s critical to guarantee the right amount of protection against the effects of freezing temperatures. Roof ventilation opening

This is where the biggest heat losses happen: when the highway passes through an unheated room. This usually refers to the attic—the area where the pipe and the building’s outer wall come into direct contact.

• Roof ventilation exit. The greatest thermal losses occur here;
• Passing the highway through an unheated room. Most often this applies to the attic;
• Direct contact zones of the pipe and outer wall of the building.

Insulation installation is not necessary in any other situation. It’s critical to routinely inspect the inner surface for any potential condensate buildup. If it still shows up after the ducts are sealed, more insulation is required.

Materials used for insulation of ventilation supply systems

There is a lot of insulation in construction and specialty stores right now, including insulation for ventilation ducts. Because they are so versatile, they can be used to warm a variety of surfaces and objects.

It should be mentioned that the materials should have the following qualities first:

• high quality of the material;
• Fire safety. In case of fire, a pipe with insulation should not become a “path” for fire, which will be directed to the roof;
• Moderate cost of material.

Mineral wool is the best option, as was previously mentioned. She is incredibly inexpensive. Furthermore, the substance does not pose a fire risk. Nevertheless, mineral wool has certain drawbacks. It is first and foremost the installation’s challenge.

The pipe must first be wrapped in cotton wool before the foil is added in order to insulate the ventilation canal with mineral wool. You must wind the wire around the pipe in order to secure everything. Here, it should be clear that you will require help in order to support the materials.

It is important to take safety precautions when handling mineral wool. If the substance gets into the eyes, nose, or any other exposed body part, it could be harmful.

Regarding the operational features, it should be mentioned that cotton grows to love. And as a result, the pipe develops gaps. Condensate will start to accumulate there.

Foam is regarded as an alternative to mineral wool. It doesn’t present any health risks. Installing it on your own is fairly simple. There is foam insulation available for purchase that is divided into two semicircular pieces. He wears a pipe for clothing. The spike joints are used to attach the material. Even though the temperature will vary greatly over time, the foam will retain its characteristics. Foam’s light flammability and tendency to release harmful substances when heated is its only drawback.

The homeowner alone determines what kind of insulation to use.

It is crucial that the work completed yields a favorable outcome. The primary goals of insulation are to prolong the materials’ lifespan and stop condensate from forming in the ventilation channel.

It is advisable to rely on a specialist for the design and insulation of ventilation ducts. It is important to remember that you can create insulation on your own. Here, as in any other work, accuracy is crucial. Gaps in the pipe should not be tolerated. Since that’s where moisture will start to show up. You also need to consider the characteristics of certain materials, like mineral wool. The accuracy of the work determines the overall quality of the ventilation system.

Materials

Ventilation ducts can be made from the following materials:

• rolled material;
• cylindrical shells;
• sheet products if the duct is rectangular or square.

Very seldom are leaf-insulation options used, even for quadrangular systems. It takes a long time and is very difficult to install. Furthermore, the need to create numerous joints inevitably detracts from the overall strength of the design. Rolls made with isolation are a great replacement. The majority of the time, mineral wool rolls with a total thickness of 40 to 80 mm are used for insulation.

The 50 mm format is the most widely used. Mineral wool thicker than 8 cm is only infrequently used; it is not required for building private residential structures, only large-panel housing. Mineral wool with an outer layer of foil protects the structure only mechanically while increasing structural efficiency.

In any event, it will be important to keep in mind that cotton wool gradually moves and crumbles, so handling it carefully is necessary.

Foamed polyethylene is less expensive because of its lower thermal efficiency. It will be necessary to wrap the pipe multiple times due to the insulation’s small thickness. Its characteristics are similar to foamed rubber. Therefore, mineral wool insulation should still be given top consideration when it comes to rolled options. The shell is constructed from parts like:

• mineral wool, rubber or polyethylene;
• foam;
• extruded polystyrene foam;
• PPU.

It is constructed in two ways: either collapsible and suitable for installation on pre-made, pre-existing ventilation systems, or monolithic and strung on pipes during ventilation installation. In the areas where the pipe is drawn through the wall, the heat-insulating shell is a big help. It is simple to envision the challenges that might arise when winding a basic roll of insulation. Even in open spaces, positive outcomes are attained. However, closing the cylinder from the outside will not be possible at the points where the air duct turns. There, only insulating mats are appropriate.

A loud noise is produced when the supply and exhaust ventilation systems are operating. The throughput increases with the pipe’s cross section size, but resistance always rises. The goal of interior design is to produce the smoothest possible surface that will allow air to flow through it as slowly as possible.

These days, combined insulation solutions are used sparingly because there are more sensible alternatives. Silencers can be used to cut down on noise.

Glass wool is an additional option to mineral wool for insulation. It is covered by reinforced aluminum for external performance and fiberglass with surface impregnation for internal performance. Since foam elastomers fade and don’t promote combustion, their use is appealing. These substances also possess the following characteristics:

• do not allow mold colonies to develop;
• harmful to microorganisms;
• pass a lot of steam without harm to themselves;
• absorb a significant amount of moisture.

Polyisocyanate, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride are regarded as fully non-combustible materials, along with polyurethane and polyethylene. These materials are supplied as plates, tubular sectors, and blocks. The air ducts’ internal thermal protection is the primary area of concern. Vimated phenol-based resins are stable against microbiological aggression in addition to being non-combustible. They are frequently positioned in industrial refrigerator ducts as a result.

The following considerations must be made when selecting an appropriate material for the duct’s thermal protection:

• the location of the pipe on the street or in the room;
• thickness;
• basic structural material;
• diameter.

The polyurethane

Polythene

Expert assistance is necessary to properly reveal all these subtleties. Foamed polyethylene is typically used as insulation for household ventilation. The factory creates fully assembled shells that resemble pipes and protect workers from hypothermia. The fact that this material is free of dangerous ingredients is a benefit.

Simple mineral wool is the best option if warming the gas pipelines and ventilation pipes simultaneously is the plan.

The importance and problem of insulation

Insulation is necessary for any air that travels through pipes, whether it is warm or cold. By taking such steps, you can stop the problem of heat leakage (cold) and get rid of a rather annoying noise. Heaters absorb vibrations and improve the comfort of the occupants of the home or apartment.

The use of liquid heaters is more common on an industrial scale. They are simple and quick to apply, but the process is costly. Furthermore, not every pipe in the attic space needs to be isolated; some can be designed to be outside the direct reach zone. For an inexperienced builder, treating it with foam will be challenging. Therefore, the best option for domestic use will be other materials with a democratic cost and the potential for easy installation.

• Thermal insulation KNAUF: the application and characteristics of the insulation

Air duct insulation

The difference in section

Pipelines can have sections that are square or round. Accordingly, the appropriate materials are chosen; for example, products in the form of plates or sheets are ideal for a square duct. This foam is made of polystyrene, pressed cotton wool, and basalt (a mineral). Additionally, the best option for round pipelines is rolled materials. The use of mineral wool is a less expensive solution.

The norms of insulation

The owners must abide by certain standards listed in SNiP under numbers 2.04.14–88 in order to prevent potential issues. Any pipeline that transports a medium with a temperature range of -180 to +600 degrees Celsius is subject to these regulations.

Insulation ought to be required:

• from the most heat -insulating material;
• from mounts for him;
• from reliable isolation from steam and moisture penetration;
• from a protective outer shell protecting the insulation from destruction and depressurization.

Any one of these requirements not met will be regarded as a violation.

In addition, the aforementioned instruction contains thirteen applications, or reference materials, that the owners can use to determine other crucial technical details and calculate the thickness of the insulating layer.

Air duct

It can be used with any online calculator to perform the corresponding calculations.

The primary issue is potential mistakes. Consequently, it is not advised to count by eye or to rely solely on SNiP for guidance, as even professionals require the use of specialized software to obtain an accurate calculation.

What materials are used to warm up ventilation systems

The primary requirements for all materials used in air duct thermal insulation are current fire safety regulations and sanitary standards. The materials that are advised for insulation fall into various categories:

Closed-porous polyethylene foam. Its primary application is in the insulation of small- or medium-sized forced ventilation systems. usually consists of two or three layers made up of reflective aluminum foil and polyethylene foam. Foamed polyethylene can have a layer of glue on the inside, in which case the isolation will stick to itself. The installation of thermal insulation on the air channel’s surface is made much easier by the availability of waterproof glue, as self-adhesive polyethylene insulation foam requires little effort to fix.

The ideal use case for foil-covered foam polyethylene is in public areas. This kind of seclusion has many very good attributes:

1. Has no toxic substances in the composition.
2. In addition to thermal insulation, it has hydro-, sound and vapor barrier properties.
3. Racks to biological damage: not subject to spoilage of insects and the occurrence of mold.

Iconic made of foamed polyethylene is incredibly useful and easy to use.

Artificial rubber that foams. Due to its lower market value, this material is more frequently utilized in industrial settings rather than for short-length node isolation. Rubber thermal insulation can also be coated with aluminum foil without the adhesive layer, making it self-adhesive. Artificial rubber that has been foamed is available for purchase in rolls or as ready-to-use sleeves. It’s true that these products are limited to use during ventilation system installation. Moreover, large diameter ducts do not require the production of finished insulating tubes.

Mineral-based thermal insulation. They are primarily employed for large-section channel insulation. Polymer film and aluminum foil can both be used as protective coatings.

Shells of polostyrol foam. Straight sections of the air ducts can be covered with the aid of hard shells. It will be necessary to isolate the corners and turns with roll materials.

Well informed! There are various benefits to using a roller heater. First of all, mounting such materials on a completed design is quite simple. Second, there are no joints or seams in an extremely tight layer of insulation. Additionally, rolled materials let you remove the appropriate layer when needed, like when fixing an air duct.

Materials for air duct insulation

Mounting foam applied to a rigid tin duct.

Materials used to insulate air ducts thermally must adhere to sanitary and fire safety regulations and offer the highest level of heat-loss prevention. They should also be good at absorbing vibration and noise. Insulation work is typically completed by:

• foil of foamed polyethylene;
• mineral wool;
• foam;
• liquid thermal insulation.

Self-adhesive foam thermal insulation for air ducts is available; it is made in rolls. Foamed polyethylene with a thickness ranging from a few millimeters to a centimeter makes up the material’s foundation. The basis, which can be corrugated or smooth, is adhered to with foil. Foams are not very effective as thermal insulation for air ducts because their primary function is to block infrared radiation. Although it does a good job of absorbing vibration and noise, its qualities are obviously insufficient for high-quality insulation.

All of the tasks are completed by the insulation for air wool air ducts, but only if it provides excellent moisture protection.

To accomplish this, it must be covered with waterproofing, which is a substance that deters water and allows the mineral wool to be removed.

This is crucial because, regardless of how tightly the insulation is sealed, some moisture will still seep through; as a result, it needs to be given the chance to escape.

Self-adhesive foam insulation is quick and easy.

Only a shell covered in an air duct can be utilized with foam. It does not apply to pipes with very large diameters. Liquid thermal insulation is a foam-like polymer that can be used in this situation. It solidifies to form a monolithic insulation layer. Liquid thermal insulation has one of the lowest thermal conductivity coefficients, passes steam, sticks well to practically any material, and is not afraid of moisture. A drawback is that because of its softness and ease of piercing, even a finger, it occasionally requires extra protection from mechanical forces.

Apart from material selection, the air ducts’ thermal insulation thickness needs to be calculated. There are two ways to go about this:

• based on SNiP;
• Using the online calculator.

Below, we will outline the regulatory framework for calculations. However, independent calculations are difficult to implement because numerous factors must be considered. Without experience, it is very simple to pay attention to the wrong thing and make a mistake. Not to mention amateurs, special programs are used even by experts. As a result, use one of the many online calculators available on the internet to calculate the duct’s thermal insulation. Sincere producers offer this kind of opportunity for free via their online resources, and there is no reason to question the accuracy of the outcome.

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The device for soundproofing air ducts

Ventilation system details can become sources of unwanted noise, so it’s important to protect the building’s ventilated areas from them. The fan’s blades are the primary source of noise. There are other sources of sounds besides the primary ones, such as shutters, valves, and other mechanisms containing rotating parts. Along with producing noise, the stream of own turbulence can also cause resonant vibrations. These turbulent flows occur where the air ducts’ cross-sectional area and direction change.

The duct’s construction material has certain properties that allow for the partial elimination of noise and vibrations. The most effective way for flexible sleeves to partially fulfill this function is in ventilation ducts composed of polymeric materials. Metal air ducts are where the most vibrations and noise are dispersed. As a result, noise insulation devices are required due to the increased requirements for the noise level in the room. Installing a channel muffler is an acceptable result in certain circumstances.

Insulation based on fiberglass or basalt is a great way to arrange a layer of soundproofing because of its optimal density and fibrous structure.

Plates with a unique coating composed of fiberglass or non-woven material can be used to lower the noise level. Place these plates inside the duct; a metal profile is used to seal the joints.

Maintaining a cozy and energy-efficient home environment depends on making sure air ducts are properly insulated. You can minimize heat gain in the summer and prevent heat loss in the winter by insulating your air ducts. This not only lowers energy consumption and utility bills, but it also improves the overall efficiency of your HVAC system.

Furthermore, by lowering the possibility of condensation and mold growth, insulating air ducts contributes to better indoor air quality. Moisture can build up in poorly insulated ducts, providing the perfect environment for the growth of mold and mildew. By adding insulation, you can reduce the possible health risks connected to poor indoor air quality by establishing a barrier that stops condensation from forming.

Reduced noise transmission throughout the house is another advantage of insulating air ducts. Uninsulated ducts have the potential to magnify airflow noise, creating an unsettling and cacophonous atmosphere. You can make your home quieter and more serene for you and your family by adding insulation to absorb these sounds.

Moreover, adequately insulated air ducts extend the life of your HVAC system. Insulation helps to lessen heat gain or loss, which lessens the strain on your HVAC system and increases equipment longevity. This lessens the environmental impact of producing and discarding HVAC components in addition to saving you money on pricey repairs or replacements.

In conclusion, making an investment in your air duct insulation is a wise choice that has many advantages. The benefits are obvious, ranging from increased indoor air quality and energy efficiency to noise reduction and longer HVAC system life. You can make your home more sustainable, healthy, and comfortable for many years to come by taking proactive steps to insulate your air ducts.

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