Specifying the right air handling insulation is a critical design element in the delivery of air in commercial buildings. For occupants, proper commercial building insulation for air duct systems help ensure room-to-room comfort by delivering conditioned air at design temperatures. For owners, fiberglass insulated air ducts help optimize the energy efficiency, health, and occupant satisfaction of a building.

3 great reasons to insulate air duct systems

1. Energy Conservation

Fiberglass insulated ducts reduce the heat loss or heat gain into or out of the duct system which translates into energy and dollar savings. Heated or cooled air is delivered efficiently, at design temperatures, without over taxing the energy source.

2. Condensation Control

Insulated air duct systems reduce condensation on ducts and equipment surfaces to decrease opportunities for microbial growth and other moisture-related building damage. Specifying the right insulation thickness for your building conditions is critical for condensation control.

3. Noise Reduction

Fiberglass duct liner and duct board insulation are engineered to absorb noise. Without fiberglass air handling insulation, the acoustical environment of mechanically conditioned buildings can be greatly compromised. Loud mechanical systems can impact occupant comfort and reduce productivity.

Types of fiberglass duct insulation

There are several types of fibrous duct insulation to choose from, depending on your application needs. All of these options can help optimize energy savings, condensation control and noise reduction when properly installed. Click on an option to learn more.

Fiberglass Duct Liner

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Fiberglass duct liner is used as thermal and acoustical insulation. It comes in blankets or boards with either a coating or a fibrous mat on the surface exposed to the airstream. The liner is applied to the inside of sheet metal ductwork with metal fasteners and special fire-tested adhesives. Fiberglass duct liner is available in a variety of densities and thicknesses.

Fiberglass Duct Board Systems

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Fiberglass duct board systems are assembled to become a complete air duct, constructed from 1″, 1-1/2″ or 2″ thick rigid insulation boards. The outside surface of the board is a factory-applied, reinforced aluminum/kraft laminate that serves as the air barrier and water vapor retarder, while the inside surface provides thermal, acoustical and condensation control benefits.

Fiberglass duct board (ductboard) systems control heat loss or gain through the duct wall, help to control moisture condensation, and are substantially air-tight when properly fabricated and sealed. These systems are fabricated either in the contractor’s shop or at the job site. Click here for more information on fiberglass duct board fabrication.

Fiberglass Duct Wrap

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Fiberglass duct wrap is a flexible, resilient blanket that is applied to the exterior of rectangular, round, or irregularly shaped duct surfaces. Duct wrap insulation is factory-laminated to a vapor retarder facing. After proper installation, it helps control condensation and reduce heat loss or gain.

Fiberglass Commercial Board

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Fiberglass commercial boards are applied to round, rectangular, oval, or irregular shaped ducts, plenums, chillers and other equipment to reduce heat loss or heat gain. Boards are manufactured in various degrees of stiffness, from flexible to rigid, and come plain (unfaced) or with FSK and ASJ facings.