Taping snaplock seams

[Jeff Monson]

I'm putting together a new DC system. I decided to go with 5" snaplock pipe. I have foil tape and screws for the joint connections, but I was wondering what the consensus is on taping the lengthwise joint on the straight pipe is? Do you tape it or is the snaplock joint pretty air tight?

[Michael N Taylor]

I taped mine but I am not sure how much it helps since the snaplock is pretty tight to start with but it never hurts to go one more step.

[Ryan Baker]

Tape it. It makes a huge difference. Those snaplock seams leak a lot more than you would think.

[Aleks Hunter]

Definitely tape everything. Oddly enough duct tape actually works :D in this case!

[Joe Hillmann]

Tape it. The tape is cheap and every tiny leak adds up to a lot of lost suction.

[Bruce Wrenn]

Instead of tape, I use silicon caulk, or clear Polyseam. Clean joint area first with alcohol, then run bead right down the seam. Much quicker and nicer looking than tape.

[Rod Sheridan]

Jeff, use aluminum foil tape on all the seams...............Regards, Rod.

[Jeff Monson]

Ok guys, thanks for the great info. Leads me to another observation, the 90 and 60 degree turns I'm using swivel at several spots, is it necessary to tape those factory joints as well, once they are in place of course.

[Joe Hillmann]

Yes tape them too, the corners should have 5 pieces of tape on them one at each end and one at each swivel. Anywhere air could possibly leak you should tape. It may not look the best but it all adds up.

A way to find leaks is to light an incense stick and run it along you exhaust system with it running to see where the smoke goes.

[Lee Schierer]

Definitely tape everything. Oddly enough duct tape actually works :D in this case!

Actually duct tape is not the answer. On a heat duct it will dry out in just a few years and lose its grip, then the new tape won't stick to the glue residue and getting the glue residue off is a hassle. (DAMHIKT) The aluminum tape is the way to go.

[Sam Layton]

Aluminum tape on everything...

Sam

[Bob Cooper]

Any disadvantage is applying brush on mastic? I know it should only be used if u have no intent of later changing that joint. But I'm wondering how well it protects a complex joint from leaking.

[Bruce Pearce]

Brush on mastic on the joints keeps them sealed. No micro dust leaks. You can use mastic on top of tape.

[Ole Anderson]

Thin bead of clear silicone on the joints in the swivel 90's and 45's. I recommend using 1/8" x 1/8" pop rivets in lieu of screws.