Duct Delights: The Horrors & The Highlights

Behind the walls and above the ceilings of homes and buildings lies a hidden world of ductwork. What we find ranges from the shocking to the cool. This is a collection of our most memorable finds.

 

The Horrors

These are the system flaws we encounter all too often the hidden culprits behind high energy bills, uncomfortable rooms, and poor indoor air quality.

Black on the insulation indicates air leakage. White tape is asbestos-min
Asbestos tape, no insulation, duct laying on the floor (1)-min

The Damage

 Time, pests, and weather take their toll. We’ve seen it all:

  • Gaping Holes: Crushed or torn ductwork from improper storage or animal intrusion.
  • Severed Connections: Sections of duct that have completely come apart, dumping conditioned air into attics or crawl spaces.
  • Corrosion and Decay: In older homes, metal ducts can rust through, while flex duct can become brittle and crack.

The Poor Craftsmanship

Sometimes, the problem is how the system was installed.

  • The "Ghost Duct": Ducts that terminate in the middle of an attic or wall, going absolutely nowhere.
  • Kinked Flex Duct: Sharp bends that restrict airflow like a bent straw, forcing the HVAC system to struggle.
  • Gaping Gaps: Boots (the metal piece connecting the duct to the floor/wall) that were never properly sealed to the drywall, leaking air into the wall cavity.

 

The "What Were They Thinking?"

These finds leave even our most experienced technicians scratching their heads.

  • The DIY Disaster: Ducts sealed with everything from duct tape (which fails) to old t-shirts and masking tape.
  • The Obstruction: Ducts crushed by being used as a support for storage or, in one case, a makeshift shelf.
  • The "Creative" Reroute: Ducts taking absurdly long and inefficient paths to their destination, dramatically increasing friction and reducing airflow.

 

The Delights

For all the horrors we find, we also discover gems proof of incredible craftsmanship and sometimes, just something that makes us smile.

 

 

The Unusual Sights

Ductwork can be a time capsule or an art gallery.

  • Historical Artifacts: Notes, newspapers, or old product packaging left behind by the original builders, dating back decades.
  • Unexpected "Guests": Surprisingly intricate cobwebs that look more like art installations than hazards.
  • Perfectly Preserved Systems: Pristine metal ductwork in old homes, a testament to the quality of materials and installation from a bygone era.
House intercom system from the 60s-min

The Systems to Be Proud Of

These are the installations we celebrate and use as examples of how it should be done.

  • Impeccable Metal Work: Hand-crafted sheet metal ducts with perfectly soldered seams and graceful, Maxdynamic bends.
  • Modern Marvels: New construction where every joint is mastic-sealed, every strap is secure, and the system is laid out with logical, efficient precision.
  • The "MaxSeal Ready" System: While we excel at fixing problems, we truly delight in sealing a well-designed system. It’s a partnership between excellent installation and our technology for achieving near-perfect efficiency.

 

 

¡See the Difference for Yourself

Your ducts tell a story. Let us help you ensure it has a happy ending with improved comfort, efficiency, and health.