Duct Insulation Outdoor R‑5.6 | Reflectix, Inc. (2024)

Outdoor Insulation – Bubble

R-5.6

Duct Insulation Outdoor R‑5.6 | Reflectix, Inc. (1) Duct Insulation Outdoor R‑5.6 | Reflectix, Inc. (2)Note:Installation instructions and illustrated drawings are recommendations only,while proper local construction methods are the responsibility of the installer.

Reflectix® Duct Insulation is an alternative to other types of fibrous insulation products. Ease of handling and quick installation make Reflectix® the first choice when selecting insulation for outdoor round or rectangular ductwork. The product provides an R-5.6 when installed with a 0.375” air gap between the duct and the insulation.

Reflectix® Outdoor Duct Insulation consists of two outer layers of aluminum foil that reflect 97% of radiant heat. The outside layer of foil is made of heavier foil. Each layer of foil is bonded to a tough layer of polyethylene for strength. Two inner layers of insulating bubbles resist conductive heat flow while a center layer of polyethylene gives Reflectix® high reliability and strength.

Benefits

  • Wrap rectangular or round ductwork in HVAC applications
  • Heating costs can be greatly reduced
  • Eliminate unnecessary heat loss / gain and air leakage
  • Helps to ensure consistent temperatures
  • Non-toxic / non-carcinogenic
  • Fiber-free
  • Lowers heating and cooling costs year-round
  • Reflects 97% radiant heat
  • Costs less to install
  • Lightweight and clean
  • Not affected by moisture or humidity
  • Does not promote nesting of birds, insects or rodents
  • Resists growth of fungi, mold and mildew
  • Does not require protective clothing or respirators to install
  • ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing location

Part Numbers and Sizes

  • CDW48050 (48”x 50’)

Technical Data

  • Temperature Range: 250 Operational
  • Nominal Thickness: 5/16 inch (.312)
  • Weight: 1.25 oz./sq. ft.
  • Flame Spread Index (ASTM E 84): Less than 25
  • Smoke Developed Index (ASTM E 84): Less than 50
  • Fire Rating: Class A/Class 1
  • Linear Shrinkage: None
  • Reflectance (IR): 97%
  • Water Vapor Transmission (ASTM E 96): 0.02
  • Puncture Resistance: 60 lb./in.
  • Mold and Mildew: No Growth
  • Emittance: 0.03
  • Tensile Strength: 3.7 N/mm
  • Pliability: No Cracking
  • Hot Surface Performance: Passed

Note: Not for use in direct contact on surface temperatures that are 180 F or greater.

Testing and Certification

  • Thermal Performance ASTM C518
  • Hot Surface Performance ASTM C411
  • Flame Spread and Smoke Density ASTM E84
  • Fungus Resistance Mil-Std 810B Method 508
  • Pliability Test ASTM C1224
  • Water Vapor Transmission ASTM E96
  • Tensile Strength ASTM C751
  • Emittance Testing ASTM C1371
  • State of California
  • State of California Licensed Insulation Manufacturer
  • State of Minnesota: Filed with Minnesota Insulation Standards Program
  • R&D Services Emittance Testing
  • Warnock Hersey Professional Services, LTD: Physical Properties Sheet Width, Length, Pliability, Water Vapor Permanence and Aged Water Vapor Permanence Report # 1/92
  • Warnock Hersey Professional Services, LTD: Water Vapor Transmission Test ASTM-E96 (Dessicant Method) Report # 1/91

Installation Instructions

Note: Installation instructions and illustrated drawings are recommendations only, while proper local construction methods are the responsibility of the installer.

Spacer Wrapped in a Candy Cane Fashion

Spacer: HVSPW02025 (Reflectix® Spiral Pipe Wrap 2”x 25’)

  • Refer to the two diagrams above.
  • Make sure all sheet metal joints, seams and penetrations are sealed.
  • Wrap and secure spacer material to the duct in a candy cane fashion. Proceed down the duct in one direction with a repeat of the wrap at 12” intervals. Use Butyl Foil Tape to fasten the spacer in place.
  • Verify the circumference of the duct with the spacer strip in place.
  • Cut the Reflectix® product to this length plus 1”.
  • Wrap the product around the duct and securely tape the linear and circumference seams (overlapping 1”- 2”) with Butyl Foil Tape (goal is an air-tight, snug seam seal).
  • Note: The heavier “reflective layer” side of the product should face the environmental elements.
  • Do not leave any exposed duct or space where air can enter between the duct and the Reflectix®.

Please Note Regarding Hangers:

Strap Hanger: Wrap Reflectix® with the seam at the hanger. Tape seam tightly around hanger.

Saddle Hanger: Make sure that there is a spacer below the hanger, between the insulation and the duct, to prevent the insulation from touching the duct.

Important

Review These Important Safety Guidelines Prior to Installation:

  • ALWAYScheck local building codes before installing Reflectix®.
  • ALWAYScheck the area you are insulating and make any needed repairs. Any worn wiring should be replaced before you begin installing Reflectix®.
  • ALWAYSmakesure work areas are well ventilated and well lighted.
  • ALWAYSuse eye protection when operating a staple gun.
  • ALWAYSuse caution and common sense when using a staple gun. Be aware of electrical wiring locations. Stapling into a wire can cause severe shock or death.NEVERstaple into electrical wiring.
  • ALWAYSbe careful when working with large pieces of Reflectix® on windy days.
  • When installing Reflectix® on bright sunny days, it is best to wear sun glasses.
  • Do not work in areas such as attics when temperatures are too hot.
  • Please Note:The intention of these Installation Instructions and 3-D renderings are for the sole purpose of illustrating the correct location and relative position of the Reflectix® products in specific building assemblies. The correct construction methods and techniques are the responsibility of the installer or contractor. The methods outlined are recommendations on location of the Reflectix® products as a guideline. There are no claims on the part of Reflectix, Inc. that these building assemblies are finite standards or meet building code requirements (as they can vary by region).

Photos

Pictured: 1. Outdoor Duct Insulation, 2 and 3. Outdoor Duct Insulation Close-up

Print Submittal

N19 – R-5.6 Outdoor Duct Insul Submittal Revised 102022

Duct Insulation Outdoor R‑5.6 | Reflectix, Inc. (2024)

FAQs

What R-value should duct insulation be? ›

R-value of R-6 is required for exterior ductwork or ducts installed in a ventilated attic or an unvented attic above a vented ceiling.

Is duct insulation worth it? ›

Yes, the right kind of duct insulation is absolutely worth it. Here's why. You could lose anywhere from 10 to 30 percent of the energy used to heat or cool your home.

What is the R-value of a 2 inch duct board? ›

Thermal resistance (R-value) of 2" fibrous glass duct board is 8.7, which enables it to comply with energy codes requiring duct system R-values of at least 8.0.

Should duct insulation be inside or outside? ›

Placing the HVAC on the outside of a building frees up valuable interior space and lowers building costs; however, the ductwork design must include exterior HVAC duct insulation wrap to ensure efficient air delivery, conserve energy, and enhance indoor environmental quality.

Can insulation R-value be too high? ›

Adding too much insulation is simply a waste of money. Once you reach a 38 R-value, anything higher won't really make a difference. It's more cost-effective to install a radiant barrier to help block more heat from affecting your insulation.

What is a good R number for insulation? ›

Typical recommendations for exterior walls are R-13 to R-23, while R-30, R-38 and R-49 are common for ceilings and attic spaces. Use the JM insulation calculator to determine the recommended R-value for your project, as well as how much insulation you'll need.

What happens if ducts are not insulated? ›

In Unconditioned Areas: Ducts in unconditioned areas like basem*nts, ceiling spaces, and other locations should be insulated to avoid condensation that can increase humidity and allow mold growth. Insulation can also block noise from ducts and other parts of your home.

Can I insulate ductwork with regular insulation? ›

Yes, fiberglass makes excellent HVAC duct insulation. Look for foil-faced, flexible fiberglass duct insulation rated at R-6 or higher — the foil-facing blocks radiant heat transfer. Carefully seal insulation seams and joints.

How long does duct insulation last? ›

On average, duct insulation can remain effective for 10-15 years, and in some cases, even longer. However, its lifespan can be influenced by factors like material quality, environmental conditions, and wear and tear. Regular inspections and occasional maintenance are the best ways to keep your ducts in great shape.

How do you calculate duct insulation? ›

  1. General Formula to Calculate Minimum Insulation Thickness Required to Prevent Condensation,t= k * R{(T1 - T2)/ (T3 - T1)} ,
  2. Where,
  3. t = Insulation thickness (in)
  4. k = Thermal conductivity.
  5. R = Surface temperature resistance.
  6. T1 = Dew point temperature (°F)
  7. T2 = Operating temperature (°F)
Jan 17, 2018

How thick is a standard duct insulation system? ›

The fibrous glass duct system is normally made up of nominal four foot (1.2m) modules fabricated from 1, 11/2, or 2 in. (25, 38, or 51mm) thick, flat fibrous glass duct board stock having a factory-applied reinforced aluminum exterior air barrier finish.

Can you double wrap duct insulation? ›

Double layer duct wrap insulation: Installers could use one layer of unfaced duct wrap to achieve an R-10, and then add a second layer of faced, 3” R-8 duct wrap.

Do HVAC return ducts need to be insulated? ›

Without proper insulation, return ducts can lose a significant amount of the conditioned air through leaks and gaps. This loss forces your HVAC system to work harder to maintain the set temperature, leading to increased energy consumption and, consequently, higher utility bills.

How is duct insulation installed? ›

Wrap the product around the duct and securely tape the linear and circumference seams (overlapping 1”) with UL181 Tape (goal is an air-tight, snug seam seal). Do not leave any exposed duct or space where air can enter between the duct and the Reflectix®.

What is the energy code for duct insulation? ›

ASHRAE 90.1 and the IECC both require R-6 insulation for ducts in unconditioned spaces and R-8 or R-12, depending on the climate zone, for ducts installed outside the building.

What is the difference between r4 and R6 duct insulation? ›

R6 has a smaller exterior diameter and is more flexible. R6 offers greater thermal efficiency than R-4 ducting.

Can you double up duct insulation? ›

Double layer duct wrap insulation: Installers could use one layer of unfaced duct wrap to achieve an R-10, and then add a second layer of faced, 3” R-8 duct wrap.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Terence Hammes MD

Last Updated:

Views: 5948

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Terence Hammes MD

Birthday: 1992-04-11

Address: Suite 408 9446 Mercy Mews, West Roxie, CT 04904

Phone: +50312511349175

Job: Product Consulting Liaison

Hobby: Jogging, Motor sports, Nordic skating, Jigsaw puzzles, Bird watching, Nordic skating, Sculpting

Introduction: My name is Terence Hammes MD, I am a inexpensive, energetic, jolly, faithful, cheerful, proud, rich person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.