Residential Duct Replacement

[howtodothis?]

The sheet metal frame in the floor (below where the air register sits) and the flex duct are ruined and must be replaced. The sheet metal in places is completly rusted through and crumbling. The floors are tile and hardwood. Some is acessible via the basement between the floor joists. Most is between the upstairs floor and the sheetrock ceiling downstairs. The house is about 13yrs old. The hvac units are all in good shape and working properly, so they arent an issue.

What is the easliest way to go to do this? Is there any way to avoid tearing out the sheetrock ceiling? Say perhaps pulling new duct through the opening. Thanks, thanks.

[dash]

Unlikely that you can pull new without removing "some" drywall,but we can't see the actual job from here.

[trane]

A duct system 13 years old should not be rusted out unless there is a problem. Is there something specific that caused these ducts to rust out so quick such as a water leak upstairs?

I would want to know why before replacing them. Maybe you know the reason and just didn't mention it.

[howtodothis?]

Previous owner's child urinated in them for years. The stench when the heat or air comes on is sickening.

[udarrell]

Originally posted by howtodothis?
Previous owner's child urinated in them for years. The stench when the heat or air comes on is sickening.

Are you sure it was not a male dog that urinated into the duct registers? Some people will let a dog get away with crap like that, but never a child. You are dealing with a horrible situation!

[t527ed]

Originally posted by howtodothis?
Previous owner's child urinated in them for years. The stench when the heat or air comes on is sickening.

tear out the sheetrock, it probably soaked the back of that to.