How to fix an exposed HVAC duct after removing a drop ceiling
Removing a drop-down ceiling can leave an HVAC duct hanging down awkwardly into the room with no simple way to conceal it. Homeowners dealing with this are left trying to figure out how to modify or cover the exposed ductwork safely.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
Found another way around this?
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How to fix an exposed HVAC duct after removing a drop ceiling
- 1Considering hiring another companyDid this help you?
- 2Wondering whether to accept and pay for the repairs or fight the installation companyDid this help you?
- 3Checking the exterior roof cap or flashing for cracksDid this help you?
- 4Inspecting the attic with a flashlight to follow the water trailDid this help you?
- 5Having a roofer inspect roof penetrations and vent caps after the stormDid this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“So i have this hvac duct coming down from my ceiling. Its been like this for years. I use to have a drop down ceiling i removed and it stayed like this. I want to fix it. How would you all recommend I can do this?”source ↗
“We started getting water dripping from this vent opening.”source ↗
“The HVAC ducts in our attic are split and leaking in several places and mold is developing.”source ↗
“The company that installed them wants $3,000 to fix the damaged ducts, claiming five years ago there were different standards for installing them and this led to the leaks and splitting.”source ↗
“Accept and pay for the repairs? Hire another company? Fight them on it?”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 2Is it safe to vent AC exhaust into a drop ceiling?
- 4How do I connect a flanged boot to rectangular duct?
- 6How to get a landlord to remove popcorn ceilings with asbestos
- 9Ceiling popping noises and drywall screws showing after roof repair
- 4Can you service an HVAC system with leak seal in it?
- 8How do I reconnect a disconnected HVAC duct?