TOPIC: Grey HVAC ducting

Back in the late 80's there was a flexible hvac duct with a grey plastic jacket on it. I have noticed that the grey jacket degrades and falls away from the duct when even exposed to low intermittent light in an attic. The inner insulation and web wrap is intact along with the inside clear plastic liner. Any guidelines on how to call this out? Will the degradation continue to the point where you will have air leakage? Is there a standard being followed by the industry as to when to replace it?

Thanks for the help

The grey outer cover is a vapor barrier.  Once the plastic vapor cracks, splits and fails, the duct is no longer functioning as intended.  It is a defect.  It is past its useful life expectancy.  It is an ex-parrot.

I flag it as a defect and a repair item.  Keep in mind that the R-value is probably half of a new flexduct of the same size.  Replacement of the failed duct with new higher R-value duct and properly sealed joints will likley pay for itself in a year or two reduced utility bills.  The local gas and power companies are currently offering a $125 rebate each for having your ducts sealed.  Cost me $250 and I got $250 back from the utilities.  Free upgrade.  Lower utilities.

Thanks, great call. I did not even think about it being a vapor barrier, but that makes perfect sense. i could see that the loss of the jacket could present a big condensation problem.

The plastic wrap on flex ducts deteriates due to improperly ventilated attics it does not with stand the heat 140 dgree attics. It also is used to hold the inner insulation in place. I have observed many attic ducts with just the inner plastic wire inserted plastic bare. I always call it out time to replace it.

Charlie is right when you are referring to what is happening in an attic, but it happens regularly in the subarea as well where heat isn't the issue. I think it is also an energy efficiency issue so I just write them up as defects whether its a heat issue or not.

There are multiple HVAC companies like Airdexinc.]http://www.airdexinc.com]Airdexinc. which is helpful in this regard. You can get the help from the experts of these companies to get it repair. Or else if your equipment is in warranty period, you can also get it replaced, that too free of cost.