Flexible Duct Installation

Using flexible venting pipe for heating and air conditioning ducting is very popular due to the ease of installation and low cost relative to rigid ducting systems. Flex ducting comes in both insulated and non-insulated versions. It is important to find pathways free of tight bends and obstacles. The trick is to avoid any tight spaces that would restrict air flow. You can save money by doing it yourself with a few common tools and a good venting plan.

Tape measure
Flexible duct piping
Duct support straps
Hammer and nails
Utility knife
Diagonal or wire cutters
Foil duct tape
Joint bands
Pliers

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the distance between the two attachment points. Add two feet to the exact measurement for flexing and corners. Cut around the duct section using a utility knife or scissors. Cut the rigid spiral wrapped wire with a set of diagonal cutters.
- 2
  Place the ducting between the connections. Avoid any tight spaces that will compress the pipe. Keep the radius of the bends larger than the diameter of the hose to avoid air restrictions. Keep the duct away from sharp objects such as metal framing plates and exposed nails. Place supporting straps under the pipe every five feet and secure them to the building framework with a hammer and nails.
- 3
  Slide the ends of the duct over the connection points leaving enough surface for the tape to adhere. Pull the inner edge evenly back over the ducting a couple of inches. Install foil duct tape around each joint by wrapping it over both the duct and sleeve, overlapping the pipe with at least two rotations.
- 4
  Place a plastic or metal joint band over the connection and tighten it snugly by pulling the end tight with pliers.
- 5
  Repeat the process with all other sections and test for leakage.

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