Supeduct

[doogan123]

Hi all -

I met a HVAC guy the other night and he uses the subject product - made by john manville. Its ductboard. I see from posts that its been mentioned from time to time on the forum, however i did not find any positive/negative dicussion. My builder swears by it, for air sealing the system and effeciency.

Is this a good product to use?

What do you guys think of it?

should i stay away or go for it?

thanks

[wkemp138]

I'm originally from the Pittsburgh area and grew up installing sheet metal. Since I've moved away from the 'Burgh, I've been forced to get used to installing ductboard. The main reason your builder is selling you on ductboard is because it is so much less expensive than sheet metal. It installs faster, it costs less, and you don't have to insulate it if your ducts are running through unconditioned space. Therefore, the savings they are reaping hopefully has been passed down to you. Some general things I don't like about ductboard are the following:
*It won't stand up for the lifetime of the house like sheetmetal will.
*If it ever gets wet, it's like a sponge and could breed conditions for mold growth.
*Like any other product or system, it depends on the installer. If it is not assembled correctly, it, literally, can fall down and collapse (I've seen it!)

[smittyii]

very little metal used in residential where i'm at. in 25 years i've seen maybe 5% metal used in new home const. usually thats a custom add on. duct board and flex duct are the other 95%. installers can build plenums and run duct work right on the job site. holds up really well when installed correctly.

[wkemp138]

Where I live now, it's pretty much the same situation you mentioned that ductboard is king. It's such a shame that job costs have forced us as a trade to no longer consider what makes for the best install. :(

[zzonko]

you can put lipstick on a pig, but..............:D

[aruddick]

Ductboard sucks. It is cheaper for a reason!!.
If you have any say in the situation. Go sheetmetal.
If worried about insolation. Insolate it!
I'll post any positives on ductboard if I ever come up with one :rolleyes:

[rfhcms]

It will remain sealed for as long as the glue on the tape lasts. Which sometimes isn't long. From the future cleaning standpoint, fuzzboard will trap (some) dirt that can't be removed. Also, think about the air blowing down a duct made of fiberglass particles held together by glue. Little pieces fall off and are sent throughout the house. As it ages, it gets worse.

[DanW13]

I was always raised to buy the best you can afford with everything, with that being said if you can afford to have sheet metal ductwork installed I would definately have it put in vs. something that is fast and cheap like duct bd. flex duct.... Unless of course your not planning on living there for any lenght of time and need to put the money into other items then I would do that, but again I'm not one to say a peeny just to short someone else that is going to buy a home from me as that reflects on the type of person I am so either way I would go metal ductwork.

[dash]

Superduct is a very god product,antimicrobial coating ,tough interior surface,etc.,etc..

I would rather have it then metal.It's commonly used in commercial work and will last a lifetime.

Yes the installed cost is less then metal,but it does a great job.

I'd be much more concerned that the duct system is sized correctly,per Manual D from www.acca.org ,then what material is to be used.

[forcryinoutloud]

It is a good material to use if designed and installed properly, just like sheet metal.

It costs less in both raw material and labor, and if you do not crawl all over it or stack crap on top of it, it will last a very long time.

Even sheet metal duct can be destroyed by a moron that likes to stack crap on it, and crawls all over it in an attic.

[doogan123]

Thanks everyone - kinda mixed feelings i see... not sure if I would want to take the risk if the installer installed it poorly - after all - I will not be able there to inspect the joints etc before he closes it up....

Will a well insulated sheet metal job be as energy efficient and air tight?

[dash]

Thanks everyone - kinda mixed feelings i see... not sure if I would want to take the risk if the installer installed it poorly - after all - I will not be able there to inspect the joints etc before he closes it up....

Will a well insulated sheet metal job be as energy efficient and air tight?

If it's sealed well (the metal joints that you won't see after install),and insulated to the same R-value.

The air seal for ductboard is on the exterior,easy to see.

I'd be more concrened about proper sizing,system/equipment and ducts.

[zzonko]

Thanks everyone - kinda mixed feelings i see... not sure if I would want to take the risk if the installer installed it poorly - after all - I will not be able there to inspect the joints etc before he closes it up....

Will a well insulated sheet metal job be as energy efficient and air tight?

Duct board has consequences that metal duct doesnt, not the least is a lifetime of fiberglass in the airstream. If someone tells you different, they have a monetary reason for doing so.

A well crafted sheet metal system is the gold standard.