The easiest way to gain valuable headroom
Time 1-2 days
ComplexityIntermediate
CostVaries
Introduction
Install wider, flatter heating and cooling ducts (you can have them custom made) to increase headroom in your basement, especially when finishing the ceiling.
Don’t let low-hanging ductwork scuttle your plans for a basement remodel. If the ductwork is in the way, you have three options. You can reroute it or split it into multiple smaller ducts. But the least disruptive and easiest way is to replace the low ducts with new ducts that are flatter, but wider. In most cases, you can gain several inches of headroom.
Before you begin the process of replacing your low-hanging duct, measure the existing ducts. Sketch out the current duct layout and note the location of each joint. Take the sketch to a professional heating contractor and get a quote for building new, flatter ducts. If the new ducts provide enough headroom, just deliver the old ducts to the contractor to use as a template for the new ones.
Tools Required
- 4-in-1 screwdriver
- Drill/driver - cordless
- Hammer
- Pliers
- Safety glasses
- Spring clamps
- Stepladder
Materials Required
- Drive couplers
- Duct hangers
- Duct sealant
- New thinner ducts
- S-slips
Project step-by-step (2)
Step 1
Disassemble a duct joint
- Unbend the folded portion of each joint’s “drive coupler.” Pull each one off with pliers.
- Support the duct with two spring clamps and chain and remove the hangers.
Step 2
Install the new duct
- Hoist the new duct into place and hold it with the spring clamps and chain.
- Line up the joints and insert the top and bottom edges into the S-slips.
- Install the drive couplers and bend the ends with a hammer. Then install the duct hangers.
- Seal all the joints with aluminum duct tape or duct-sealing caulk.
Originally Published: June 20, 2017
