How to Properly Insulate a Vent
- 1). Gain access to the vent pipe. If the vent is in the attic, the pipe will be exposed, but vents running through the roof may be blocked. In this case, you must cut an access hole in the wood.
- 2). Put on protective gloves and a face mask. Breathing in and handling insulation can be very dangerous.
- 3). Wrap the body of the pipe with sheets of duct insulation. Don't press the insulation down or compress the fibers, or you will compromise the insulation properties. Cut the insulation to fit as necessary, using the utility knife.
- 4). Seal the edges and seam of the insulation with special duct insulation tape -- not regular duct tape. Make sure you use tape that can handle the extreme hot and cold temperatures around the vent.
- 5). Fill any exposed portions of the pipe, using foam insulation spray. Extend the spray from the edges of the insulation to cover all of the exposed areas of the pipe.
