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Why asbestos shows up in slab homes

January 6, 2026/in Air Quality, Damaged Ducting, Types of Ducts

Asbestos in older slab-home ductwork is a real concern, but Duct Armor offers a way to make those ducts safe again without tearing up your floors.​

Why asbestos is in your ducts

Many slab-on-grade homes from the 1960s–1970s used asbestos-containing transite pipe for in-floor duct systems. When those ducts crack or deteriorate, tiny asbestos fibers can enter the air and pose serious long-term health risks.​

Why removal is so difficult

Taking out asbestos ducts in a slab usually means:

  • Jackhammering concrete and damaging finished floors.​

  • Very high abatement and reconstruction costs.​

  • Strict safety rules and the risk of fiber release during removal.​

For many homeowners, full removal is not realistic.​

How Duct Armor helps

Duct Armor is a thick, rubberized liner that is installed inside your existing ducts through the vents. It:​

  • Encapsulates asbestos surfaces so fibers are sealed in and can’t enter the airstream.​

  • Meets EPA guidelines for asbestos encapsulation while restoring airflow.​

  • Also helps with rust, water damage, and dirt intrusion common in slab ducts.​

Homeowners can typically stay in the house during the process because the material is water‑based and low-odor.​

A smart option for older slab homes

For older slab-on-grade homes, rerouting ducts overhead can be messy and expensive. Encapsulating asbestos ducts with Duct Armor:​

  • Avoids breaking up your slab and disrupting your home.​

  • Protects your indoor air from asbestos and other contaminants.​

  • Provides a cost-effective alternative to full asbestos removal and rebuild.​

If you suspect your in-slab ductwork contains asbestos, Duct Armor can turn that risky, crumbling system into a clean, sealed, and usable duct network again

https://www.ductarmor.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Transite-Ducting.jpg 375 500 Candace https://www.ductarmor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cropped-DuctArmor_Logo_272-2.png Candace2026-01-06 10:56:452026-01-06 10:56:45Why asbestos shows up in slab homes

Galvanized Mild Steel Ducting

January 29, 2025/in Types of Ducts

Galvanized mild steel metal ducting is a cornerstone of modern HVAC systems, offering a perfect blend of durability, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. This type of ducting is created by coating steel with a protective layer of zinc, which significantly enhances its resistance to corrosion and rust.

One of the primary advantages of galvanized mild steel ducting is its exceptional longevity. When properly installed and maintained, these systems can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years, making them a reliable long-term solution for both residential and commercial buildings. This impressive lifespan is due to the material’s ability to withstand various environmental factors, including temperature fluctuations, humidity, and exposure to certain airborne particles

What Makes It Special?

Think of galvanized ducting like a superhero shield for air systems. By coating mild steel with a protective zinc layer, manufacturers create a material that:

  • Fights off rust and corrosion
  • Withstands extreme temperatures
  • Provides long-lasting performance

Why Contractors and Homeowners Love It

  1. Durability: These ducts can last up to 50 years with proper maintenance
  2. Cost-Effective: Affordable initial investment with low long-term costs
  3. Smooth Performance: Enables efficient air movement and energy savings

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a reliable, efficient, and budget-friendly solution for moving air, galvanized mild steel ducting is your go-to option. It’s the unsung hero that keeps our indoor environments comfortable and clean

https://www.ductarmor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/download-1.jpg 225 225 Candace https://www.ductarmor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cropped-DuctArmor_Logo_272-2.png Candace2025-01-29 15:50:072025-01-29 15:50:07Galvanized Mild Steel Ducting

Flex Ducting

January 28, 2025/in Types of Ducts

Flexible ducting has revolutionized the way we approach air distribution in heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. These innovative ducts offer a range of benefits that make them a popular choice for both residential and commercial applications.

Key Advantages of Flex Ducting

Unmatched Flexibility

Flex ducts are designed to navigate complex spaces with ease. Unlike rigid metal ducts, these bendy air conduits can snake around obstacles, making installation a breeze. They’re essentially the Swiss Army knife of ductwork – adaptable and versatile.

Installation Ease

The real magic of flex ducting lies in its installation. Contractors can route these ducts through tight spaces without multiple fittings, saving time and reducing potential air leakage points. However, there’s an art to installing them correctly.

Pro Tips for Optimal Performance

Installation Best Practices:

  • Avoid sharp bends that restrict airflow
  • Fully extend the duct before installation
  • Use wide, sweeping curves instead of tight corners
  • Properly support and strap the ductwork

Performance Considerations

While flex ducts are incredibly convenient, they come with some caveats. Compression can significantly impact air resistance – 30% compression can increase air resistance by 4 times. Proper installation is crucial to maintaining system efficiency.

Durability and Longevity

High-quality flexible ducts can last up to 25 years, offering remarkable durability. They’re resistant to corrosion and can withstand harsh environments, making them an excellent choice for various applications.

Cost-Effectiveness

Flex ducts are typically cheaper to install and purchase compared to rigid metal ducts. They require less labor and can be a budget-friendly solution for many HVAC projects. The bottom line? Flex ducting is a game-changer in air distribution, offering flexibility, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness. Just remember: proper installation is key to maximizing their potential!

https://www.ductarmor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/flex-duct.jpg 225 225 Candace https://www.ductarmor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cropped-DuctArmor_Logo_272-2.png Candace2025-01-28 11:05:132025-01-28 11:05:13Flex Ducting

Phenolic Ducting

January 27, 2025/in Types of Ducts

Phenolic ducts are emerging as a game-changer in sustainable construction. These innovative ducts, made from phenolic foam impregnated with resin and coated with aluminum foil, offer a host of environmental benefits that set them apart from traditional ductwork materials.

One of the standout features of phenolic ducts is their superior insulating properties. With low thermal conductivity, these ducts maintain desired temperatures with minimal heat loss or gain, significantly reducing the workload on HVAC systems. This translates to lower energy consumption and reduced carbon emissions, making them an excellent choice for eco-conscious builders.

Phenolic ducts are considerably lighter than conventional metal ducts, which brings several environmental advantages:

  • Reduced transportation emissions
  • Easier and more efficient installation
  • Lower overall carbon footprint for construction projects

These ducts are built to last, with excellent resistance to moisture, mold, and fire. Their durability means less frequent replacements, reducing waste and the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and disposing of ductwork.

Impressive Carbon Reduction

Perhaps the most striking benefit of phenolic ducts is their potential to dramatically reduce embodied carbon:

  • Up to 75% reduction in embodied carbon compared to traditional metal ducting
  • Potential to decrease energy consumption in HVAC operations by up to 45%

Circular Economy Potential

Phenolic ducts align with the principles of a circular economy. At the end of their lifecycle, they can be entirely reused, further minimizing their environmental impact. By choosing phenolic ducts, builders and homeowners can significantly reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying efficient, long-lasting HVAC performance. As we move towards more sustainable construction practices, phenolic ducts represent a promising solution for environmentally conscious HVAC design.

https://www.ductarmor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Phenolic-ducting.jpg 400 400 Candace https://www.ductarmor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cropped-DuctArmor_Logo_272-2.png Candace2025-01-27 09:55:262025-01-27 09:55:26Phenolic Ducting

In-Slab Duct Systems

December 26, 2024/in Types of Ducts

Homeowners with in-slab ductwork are particularly suited for Duct Armor services. This type of duct system can be prone to moisture problems, rust, and other age-related damage. Older homes, especially those built in the 1960s and 1970s, often face challenges with deteriorating ductwork.

The Duct Armor process rehabilitates these ducts without the need for invasive repairs like tearing up floors or removing drywall, making it a cost-effective solution for maintaining air quality and system efficiency.

 

https://www.ductarmor.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ba_3_before.jpg 209 500 Candace https://www.ductarmor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cropped-DuctArmor_Logo_272-2.png Candace2024-12-26 13:12:592025-01-28 13:50:33In-Slab Duct Systems

Fiberglass Duct Board

December 6, 2024/in Types of Ducts

Fiberglass Duct Board

Recently, we encountered a challenging HVAC situation in a home with a history of high humidity and persistent mold growth in fiberglass duct board. Traditional cleaning methods by Green Home Solutions could only address surface-level contamination, leaving embedded mold deep within the duct fibers.

The Persistent Mold Problem

Fiberglass duct board’s porous nature makes it particularly susceptible to mold infiltration. Once mold penetrates the material, complete removal becomes virtually impossible, posing significant indoor air quality risks.

Our Encapsulation Solution

We applied our specialized encapsulation product, Duct Armor to the main trunk lines, creating a protective barrier that:

  • Seals in existing mold
  • Prevents fiberglass particle release
  • Inhibits future mold growth
  • Improves overall air quality

Key Benefits

  • Cost-effective alternative to full duct replacement
  • Enhances HVAC system efficiency
  • Provides long-term protection against mold and contaminants
  • Ensures cleaner, healthier indoor air

Encapsulation offers homeowners a reliable solution to mold and fiberglass duct challenges, transforming a potential health hazard into a safe, efficient HVAC system

https://www.ductarmor.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Fiberglass-Duct-board.jpg 500 375 Candace https://www.ductarmor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cropped-DuctArmor_Logo_272-2.png Candace2024-12-06 12:58:022025-01-29 16:01:32Fiberglass Duct Board

Transite Ducting

March 20, 2024/in Types of Ducts

Transite Ducting: Understanding the Risks and Solutions

Transite ducting, a cement-asbestos product prevalent in homes built during the 1960s and early 1970s, continues to be a concern for homeowners due to its potential health risks.

Health Concerns

Asbestos-containing ductwork can release harmful fibers when damaged, potentially causing serious respiratory issues like lung cancer and mesothelioma. However, intact transite ducts typically pose minimal risk.

We recently assisted a homebuyer concerned about asbestos ductwork in a concrete slab, particularly with a newborn in the home. This scenario is not uncommon in older properties.

Recommended Solution

Our Duct Armor product offers a safe, efficient method to manage asbestos-containing ductwork by:

  • Sealing and encapsulating existing asbestos ducts
  • Preventing fiber release
  • Ensuring long-term air quality and safety

While transite ducting presents potential risks, professional inspection and modern encapsulation techniques can effectively mitigate these concerns, providing peace of mind for homeowners.

Interested in a consultation? We’re ready to help you understand and address your ductwork challenges.

https://www.ductarmor.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Transite-Ducting.jpg 375 500 Candace https://www.ductarmor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cropped-DuctArmor_Logo_272-2.png Candace2024-03-20 12:50:452025-01-29 16:06:58Transite Ducting

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  • Why asbestos shows up in slab homes

    Asbestos in older slab-home ductwork is a real concern, but Duct Armor offers a way to make those ducts safe again without tearing up your floors.​ Why asbestos is in your ducts Many slab-on-grade homes from the 1960s–1970s used asbestos-containing transite pipe for in-floor duct systems. When those ducts crack or deteriorate, tiny asbestos fibers […]

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What Our Customers Are Saying

I use duct armor of Central Indiana to seal my under the floor ducts because there was water seeping through caused by the high water table in the area. They did everything efficiently and I felt for a fair price. Both Josh and Ben came out and when they left, the job was clean. I’m super pleased with the way everything was done! I will be definitely using them again in the future. I highly recommend their services.

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