Should I replace old asbestos-wrapped ductwork while walls are open?
When walls are open during renovations, deciding whether to replace old ductwork wrapped in asbestos depends on whether there is actual damage, though disturbing it raises safety and sizing concerns. Replacing the ducts can avoid future issues, but uncertainty about handling asbestos and potential sizing constraints with the existing unit makes homeowners hesitate to tear it out.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Leaving the old ductwork undisturbed behind new drywall to avoid expensive abatement costs and potential fiber release.
- 2Attempting to adjust blower speed taps to lower CFM
- 3Adding registers to framing areas to let the space breathe
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“My question is- while we have the walls open, should we be replacing our ductwork as we work through each room? I’m assuming this is all wrapped in asbestos duct paper so I’m just not sure if I should leave it be as I see no real damage like holes or leaks, or if it’s for the best to replace it while we’re here.”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
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