Now you must be wondering what duct masks are and what do they do? This article will help give you the answers you need.
What are Duct Masks?
Duct mask are saran wrap-like plastic that is rolled into a foil. They are basically about 6 inches wide and 200 feet long when stretched out wide.
What are they used for?
Duct masks are primarily used in creating a temporary seal or cover. They are used to cover register openings in the air ducts so that there would be a negative airflow within the air ducts. Pressure will build up inside the air ducts and it would produce a negative air flow that is very useful when cleaning air ducts. Doing so would regulate air leakage and escape.
Where can you buy it and at what price?
They can usually be bought at a local hardware. Each roll costs about $25 but you can save more money by buying in sets. For $100, you can get 6 rolls of duct masks, saving $50 if you buy it individually.
How do you apply the duct mask and how can you remove it?
The first thing you should do is determine whether the surface will allow the duct mask to stick. Then you should dispense the duct mask by pulling it. The perforation should enable the duct mask to dispense easily. The size of the dispensed duct mask should be dependent on the area size of the region being covered. This is easy to do because it’s just like using toilet paper. Just pull at it and it will break. Apply the edge of the duct mask at the edge of the area being sealed off. Then apply the other end on the other edge of the area to be sealed. Make sure to remove bubble formation if there are any. That could be done by pressing on the mask with your fingers until the bubbles are fully gone. Don’t press it too hard or even scratch it because it can reduce its sticking factor and might not hold out.
Removal is done by slowly peeling it off. Make sure not to leave any left-out duct mask on the surface. If there is, you can just remove it with a regular window cleaner.
Are there any precautions when applying duct masks?
None really. All you need to worry about is the paint on the surface. If you do not apply it carefully, the paint might come off with the duct mask when you start to remove it but other than that, there are no risk factors in using duct masks.