Steps for Framing Around Ductwork
- Step 1 : Build "ladders" on the ground. The look like mini-ladders (see pic). Build them using 2x2 lumber instead of...
- Step 2: Secure the ladders to the ceiling Use screws not nails. I promise you, you will be moving and adjusting these...
- Step 3: Install the horizontal support "railing" The cross beams will attach to the inside of your...
How to frame around HVAC ducts?
How to Frame Around HVAC Ducts 1 Measure the duct, whether it is sheet metal or flexduct, with a tape measure to determine how big to make a frame. 2 Build a framing box the length, width and depth of the duct you will cover. ... 3 Cut four 2-by-2-inch boards to the length required with a table saw or circular saw. ... More items...
How do you make a framing box for ductwork?
Measure the duct, whether it is sheet metal or flexduct, with a tape measure to determine how big to make a frame. Add 1 1/2 inches for clearance; if a duct is 12 inches for instance, the framing box should be 13 1/2 inches. Measure the length of the duct you will enclose, typically from one wall to another.
How do you build a soffit on a ductwork?
Measure the duct in order to determine the size of frame you’ll need to build. Always add about 1&½” for clearance between the frame and the duct. 2.) Start building by creating soffit ladders on the ground using 2×2’s.
How do you enclose a ductwork?
Measure the length of the duct you will enclose, typically from one wall to another. Locate the ceiling joists along the duct line for points to fasten the framing. Build a framing box the length, width and depth of the duct you will cover.
How far does framing need to be from ductwork?
Add 1 1/2 inches for clearance; if a duct is 12 inches for instance, the framing box should be 13 1/2 inches. Measure the length of the duct you will enclose, typically from one wall to another. Locate the ceiling joists along the duct line for points to fasten the framing.
How much space do you need around ductwork?
Instructions. 1.) Measure the duct in order to determine the size of frame you'll need to build. Always add about 1&½” for clearance between the frame and the duct.
How do you enclose air ducts?
0:222:24Basement HVAC - How Do I Hide These Ducts? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith a ledger. There's a ledger behind the wall. System that the bottom of this two by three canMoreWith a ledger. There's a ledger behind the wall. System that the bottom of this two by three can attach to so that is nice and solid and rigid then we apply a piece of plywood.
How do you make exposed ductwork look good?
If you don't want to go through the hassle of covering up your exposed pipes and ducts, but you also don't want them to draw too much attention, simply paint them the same color as the ceiling or walls that surround them. Painted in a unifying hue, they will blend in and become part of a cohesive background palette.
How do you frame a duct for Chase?
2:064:37How to Build a Soffit around Ductwork - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMeasure out from the wall past the ductwork. Creating a mark on the floor joist where the latterMoreMeasure out from the wall past the ductwork. Creating a mark on the floor joist where the latter will be secured. The latter can now be lifted into place with a top rail being the 2x4.
Can drywall touch ductwork?
Drywall shouldn't touch ductwork. You'll need to leave a six-inch (15.24 cm) gap between the ductwork and the wall or encase the ductwork in insulation. If your drywall does touch the ductwork, this could make your walls warm. You'll need to replace the drywall if your ductwork touches it.
How do you build a vertical soffit around ductwork?
0:0211:22How To Frame A Ceiling Around Ductwork | DIY Ceiling SoffitYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we've got this piece of ductwork coming across here in the ceiling. And i want to frame that inMoreAnd we've got this piece of ductwork coming across here in the ceiling. And i want to frame that in so that i can finish it off nicely with some drywall. And it will look kind of nice. So um you can
How do you frame return air?
0:241:37Thermo - Return Air Frame and Grille - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you're ready for return air grills to be installed. Place the grill to the wall. And align theMoreAnd you're ready for return air grills to be installed. Place the grill to the wall. And align the holes in the grill with the holes in the frame. And install the screws.
How do you wrap a duct?
7:089:59How to Insulate Ductwork | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDuctwork. Now we can just wrap that. Up. Okay let's grab that let's grab that foil tape just put aMoreDuctwork. Now we can just wrap that. Up. Okay let's grab that let's grab that foil tape just put a little piece on right there we'll just tack. It.
How do I hide my basement duct work?
Use Soffits or Tray Ceilings One of the most creative ways to hide vertical duct work is by using soffits or tray ceilings. Soffits, also called bulkheads, are a frame you build around the duct work to hide it from view.
How do you box a duct in a basement?
0:103:51Boxing In Ductwork, Simple Easy Idea - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd kind of the first step is to strap the ceiling. And then box in my ductwork on this side. SoMoreAnd kind of the first step is to strap the ceiling. And then box in my ductwork on this side. So this is where i'm at right now.
How close can a wall be to a furnace?
30 inchesFurnace Room Clearance Requirements A general standard is to have at least 30 inches of space between the walls and a furnace's sides.
What size round duct do I need for a 12x12 room?
A 12×12 foot room will need a 4×8 inch supply duct to get an adequate CFM rate, which is about 144 CFM.
Can ductwork be too small?
Undersized ductwork can technically get the job done, but it can come at a huge cost to homeowners. With ductwork that is too small, you run the risk of dealing with loud noises coming from your HVAC system. This can be rattling, whistling, or other types of distracting noises.
What happens if there is not enough return air?
If there is not enough return air available, your HVAC system will not heat or cool properly. They must be properly sized — Return air ducts must be large enough to carry a sufficient amount of expended air back to your furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump.
Step 1 – Plan
As always, planning is the key to success when framing around ductwork. Measure and plan the dimensions required to hide the AC ducts.
Step 2 – Cut the long pieces, or pre-assemble the boxes
It may be advantageous to assemble these on the ground first. This will require another set of hands when affixing the box to the ceiling, but if you have them use them!
Step 3 – Cut and install the vertical pieces
Cut and assemble the vertical studs that will hang off the 2×4 attached to the ceiling.
Step 4 – Install the long bottom piece
This 2X4 will nail directly to the bottom of the vertical studs you just installed.
Step 5 – Connect the two Sections
After step 4, you’ll be left with a floating 2×4 “ladder” hanging from the ceiling, and a random 2×4 nailed into the perpendicular wall. Connect them!
Step 6 – Drywall, Sand, and paint!
I left this to the professionals. I personally suck at finishing drywall joints (i create visible mountains that can be seen from a mile away) but if you want to take a stab at this yourself, I recommend following The Idaho Painter. He provides great video tutorials relating to painting.
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What is the best way to frame around obstacles?
The best method for framing around the majority of these obstacles is called “Soffit Framing”. Soffits make it quick and painless to build around these major obstacles located overhead.
How are soffits made?
The soffits are created by first framing the “soffit ladders” as we call them in the biz, and then attaching these ladder to the bottom of the floor joists.
Can you connect a soffit ladder to a wall?
Once the ladders are all installed to the bottom of the floor joists, you simply connect the bottom of the soffit ladders to either a wall or an opposing soffit ladder to complete the soffit framing.
What is "Ductwork" and Why do I need to Frame It
Okay, so here's the deal. The ductwork I'm referring to is the main line (a metal box) that carries the cold and hot air from your basement HVAC area to the rest of your house.
Why is Ductwork Framing Difficult ?
Framing around ductwork is difficult to get straight. It's a long and short expanse of wall that is front and center visually. The biggest mistake people make is that they just throw a wall up there and it ends up looking really wavy and uneven. Sloppy.
Steps for Framing Around Ductwork
These are the steps that I used. I'm sure there are several different ways. I can claim honestly that the professional drywall company I used said my ductwork framing was one of the best jobs they'd ever seen. That was good to hear since it took me about 2 weekends to get right!
4 Keys to a Great Ductwork Framing Job
Spend some time visualizing the final framing before you start. If you were to install the drywall, mentally walk through where it would attach to the wall and the ceiling.
Jason's SUPER TIP !
Wrap the pipe at these points with some felt contact paper and the noise will go away.
How to measure flex duct?
1. Measure the duct, whether it is sheet metal or flexduct, with a tape measure to determine how big to make a frame. Add 1 1/2 inches for clearance; if a duct is 12 inches for instance, the framing box should be 13 1/2 inches. Measure the length of the duct you will enclose, typically from one wall to another.
Can you frame around HVAC ducts?
How to Frame Around HVAC Ducts. Air ducts are essential and efficient, but they can be unsightly in a finished basement or inside a house. Ducts are installed in a basement if there is one, but many houses are built without basements. In those cases, ducts have to run through attics or in some older houses, through garages or living spaces.
Can ducts be installed in basement?
Ducts are installed in a basement if there is one, but many houses are built without basements. In those cases, ducts have to run through attics or in some older houses, through garages or living spaces. You can conceal these ducts, however, by framing around them and covering the frame with drywall or other siding.
Why frame around ductwork?
Most of the time it is a good idea to frame in around basement duct work, so that the sheet metal can be hidden behind a drywall or other type of wall covering. Even if you have no plans to spend any time in your basement area, you still might want to frame around the duct and cover the frame with a building material just to improve the efficiency of the heating system. If this case, there is no need to frame around a cold air return, just build a soffit to enclose the hot air runs.
What is the obstacle to frame around basement ducts?
Major Obstacles. There is one major obstacle that you might encounter when you frame around the basement ducts: the I-beam that often runs underneath the floor joists as a major support mechanism of the house. This large metal beam is also an obstacle for the sheet-metal technician, who installs the duct work, so the duct work is likely not ...
How do I build a basement duct wall?
12 or No. 16 common nails as your metal fasteners. Build each side piece from the 2-by-4s as if you were building a wall except you will only need a single plate at the bottom and the top.The height of the mini-wall should just clear the thickness of the heat duct and then you can cut 2-by-4 cross pieces, which will run from one step-wall to the other just underneath the heating duct. Keep your framing units square with the plane of the ceiling and make sure the height of the step wall is the same over the course of a long run.
What to do if your house frame is sagging?
If the house frame is sagging, however, the house may need jacking and this task often involves work on the I-beam. It is best to consult an engineer, if there appears to be a problem with a sagging house frame. Advertisement.
Can you use fire retardant around ductwork?
You may have to use fire retardant sheet rock around the duct work. As long as you are building duct work for forced air, this is not a big concern. However, if there is a wood burning stove in the basement, leave the duct work exposed, because the air from wood burning stoves can get superheated.
Can I run duct work close to the I beam?
This large metal beam is also an obstacle for the sheet-metal technician, who installs the duct work, so the duct work is likely not to be run real close to the I-beam. If it is, you can make your framing box big enough to cover both the duct and the I-beam. If the house frame is sagging, however, the house may need jacking ...
