Changed my mind: Duct tape isn't always the enemy in HVAC work

I used to scoff at any tech who carried duct tape, thinking it was amateur hour (you know, like those who rely on shortcuts). But when a flex duct ripped during a late-night emergency call, a temporary patch held long enough for me to return with proper materials. Now I see its value for quick, temporary fixes in a pinch.

5 comments

5 Comments

the_piper2h ago

And @elliot_bailey isn't wrong, duct tape can mask bigger problems.

karen_sanchez492h ago

Wait, but if moisture gets trapped, how fast does microbial growth become a risk? I mean, in those emergency patches...

flores.patricia53m ago

From a job last summer, visible mold appeared within 36 hours on a taped pipe... you need to address the source, not just cover it up.

elliot_bailey3h ago

Are you serious? You're basically endorsing a crutch that fails under real conditions. That adhesive breaks down in heat and cold cycles, plus it's permeable so moisture gets trapped in the insulation. It's a band-aid that often causes bigger problems down the line, like microbial growth.

garcia.laura53m ago

Saw similar problems, moisture trapped under tape bred mold quickly.