If you aren’t an HVAC technician, you might not be familiar with the intricacies of ductwork. While you don‘t have to be an expert to make good decisions about caring for and repairing your system, it’s still important that you are familiar with the various aspects and components that make your HVAC system work. Keeping your ducts in working order requires frequent repair and resealing to prevent leaks and drafts, and you have to choose an effective sealing product. Some people opt for duct tape to seal their ductwork, but you should also consider mastic when you’re in the market for duct sealing in Weber County, UT.
Mastic is a liquid sealant that is applied to ducts the keep them adhered together and prevent leaks and drafts. It can be applied as a liquid with a tool or brush, and it cures as an elastic material. The elasticity keeps the bond between ducts secure while still offering some flexibility. Mastic can also be used to seal windows and fill cracks in masonry. Mastic typically lasts for about five years, at which point it can be reapplied. Here’s a closer look at some of its qualities:
- Texture: One of mastic’s best qualities is the fact that it maintains a smooth quality when it cures. Despite its smooth finish, mastic stays rigid and adheres effectively to the surface that it’s applied to. Its flexibility makes it a suitable material for a wide variety of different applications.
- Priming: Another great thing about mastic is the fact that you don’t have to prime a surface before applying it. As long as you use plenty of mastic in a thick layer, it should form a pretty strong bond to the surface it’s used on.
- Pressure and movement: Mastic performs best when it is under consistent pressure, which makes it ideal for use in ductwork. However, it does not do well in areas with a lot of joint movement. Still, it’s flexible enough that it can endure consistent vibrations. This makes it a great choice for HVAC systems, where operation tends to cause movement that may lead to duct disconnection.
- Weathering: Mastic does well in places where it is exposed to temperature fluctuations and weathering. It is waterproof, which makes it suitable for outdoor applications, and can withstand prolonged exposure to the sun. Some sealants tend to deteriorate when they’re exposed to UV rays, but mastic is made with UV inhibitors that allow it to tolerate excessive sunlight.
If you have questions about different duct sealing options or you need help from duct cleaners in Weber County, UT, call Fresh Ducts. Since 1993, we have been offering duct sealing and cleaning, as well as dryer vent cleaning, to countless area homeowners. Our team can offer thorough duct cleaning to keep your system running effectively without wasting energy. We can also help you with duct sealing to fix leaks so that you can feel confident in your system’s operation all year round. If you’ve noticed a decline in your system’s efficiency, give us a call for assistance!
