Ductwork Retro Fit For Your Crawl Space
Are you searching for Ductwork Repair & Replacement Near Me? Here in the Chesapeake, VA and the surrounding areas of Hampton Roads, crawl space HVAC ducts are subject to pressure, temperature and humidity differentials. This is because the air flowing through the ducts and the ambient temperature, humidity and pressure on the outside of the ductwork are usually different. This can often lead to air ducts sweating either on the inside or outside of the ductwork. This kind of condensation is common in older crawlspace duct systems. If you are experiencing a musty smell in your home it’s time to call for an inspection.
Traditional crawl space ductwork installation in HVAC systems are inherently inefficient. Due to the low energy prices in the past and due to labor cost cutting, contractors found that sealing the duct seams together correctly wasn’t a high priority. Then they would wrap the duct using standard fiberglass insulation. Air ducts then sweat causing the insulation to absorb moisture and the insulation would quickly deteriorate.
Crawlspace Ducts Are A Common Source of Mold and Mildew
Crawl space HVAC ducts and other ductwork condensation cause many problems. As the insulation deteriorates due to condensation the poorly joined seams are exposed. They then can suck in outside air if the air pressure in the crawl space is positive which can cause an imbalance in the air flow which will reduce the efficacy of the entire HVAC system. Mold, mildew, and allergens can the infiltrate the HVAC system and quickly spread throughout the living space within the structure and duct blockage in your crawl space can restrict airflow throughout the duct system.
Most homeowners have no idea how to fix crawlspace ductwork. At Gilbert and Son, we first inspect your ductwork for air leaks, proper CFM, and any existing mold, then we evaluate the best approach to take for your individual circumstance.
Inspect
- Air Leaks
- Proper Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) and Airflow
- Existing Mold or Mildew
Evaluate
- Can Ductwork Still Be Used?
- Need New Ductwork and Insulation?
If the existing ductwork can still be used, then every seam will be secured with metal screws. We will use a LEED certified and environmentally friendly fiber base mastic to seal the duct lines. When dry, this will act as an air cast sealing the ductwork seams and fittings. Then we will wrap around the sealed seams within a heavy-duty 3M tape. A dual sided thermal barrier which will encapsulate the ductwork is then added.
The final result is an efficient flawless HVAC ducting system that will last the life of your home. If you are lucky, the company that originally installed your HVAC ductwork will have done this for you but we find that in most cases it was installed quickly and with little to no thought about the conditions within your crawlspace. We believe that our system is the most efficient way to stop ductwork condensation in your crawl space and abate the development of other problems that a poorly sealed system can lead to.
If you are waterproofing your crawlspace then you should make sure your ducts are wrapped tight so as not to cause problems inside the encapsulated area.
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We’re incredibly proud of our workmanship. We stand behind our work 100%. The quality of our service is Top-Notch! Our promise to you is this: If you ever have a problem with a solution we have put in place, just call us and we will make it right!
Crawlspace Ductwork FAQ's
Does ductwork need to be insulated when its in a crawlspace?
Because of the pressure, air temperature and humidity differentials, you absolutely insulate your crawlspace ductwork.
Gilbert & Son
“My cough cleared up after they fixed my crawlspace” - Janet
My crawl space had a great deal of mold, so Gilbert & Son installed a great deal of sand to fill in low spots and put down a vapor barrier. They were terrific, and an added benefit was that a cough I had had for months cleared up shortly after that. (Apparently, I have a mold allergy.) All the work was done professionally, as promised.
"I highly recommend this company to anyone in need of mold or crawl space work." - Etta S.
I called because I had the smell of mold in my house and standing water in my crawl space. Gilbert and Son came out and did a free estimste. After I booked the job, they were on time professional, and cleaned up after themselves. The work and price was spot on. I highly recommend this company to anyone in need of mold or crawl space work.
"I called Gilbert and Son for a Second Opinion and I'm Glad I did." - Bradley Jones
"Had some structure issues in my crawl space so originally I called a local termite company, they came out and said I had a eight rotted beams and a bunch of broken floor joists. They gave me a $20,000 estimate so I called Gilbert and Son for a second opinion. The owner Mike came out and looked in the crawl space and informed me that I had one rotted beam and two broken floor joists and then explained why that was causing my floor to sink. They were able to fix everything and install a new vapor barrier for under five grand. I’m so happy I called them and escaped being ripped off by the termite company. The technician Paul and his helper were very clean and professional and did a wonderful job. Highly recommend this company. Keep up the great work guys!"
Pictures of Crawlspace Ductwork
