Insulated Dryer Duct In Attic
Insulation that s carefully wrapped around the duct will work better than fiberglass batts just piled on top.
Insulated dryer duct in attic. The effective r value of a buried duct installation depends on the size of the ducts the r value of the duct insulation and the depth of the loose fill insulation. The more insulation you install the less likely you are to have condensation in the ductwork. Do not use sheet metal screws to connect the ductwork because the screw tips protrude into the duct and will collect lint. Table 1 shows effective r values for 8 inch round ducts at three attic insulation levels and three duct insulation levels r 4 2 r 6 and r 8.
Insulating the duct with at least 1 in. Standard duct tape can heat up and fail over time so get the good stuff. Attach the insulation with a high quality reinforced foil duct tape. How to insulate your attic duct system step by step with video instructions as winter nears many will begin to activate their home heating system to keep the house warm in the blustery and frigid temperatures that accompany the change in seasons.
The international residential code allows you to run a dryer vent through the attic but you can t terminate it there. Most attic ducts are insulated flex ducts that is flex ducts with r 6 or r 8 fiberglass insulation along with an exterior polyethylene jacket. Ensuring your attic is properly insulated is essential to this endeavor. When these ducts are exposed to exterior air the plastic jacket never gets cold enough to permit condensation because the hot attic air keeps the plastic jacket warm.
Of fiberglass insulation will keep the duct warm during dryer operation and will minimize condensation on the duct walls.