Should I seal this hole? How?

Submitted by retro__grade t3_zvuqz9 in DIY

https://imgur.com/a/0j4gCas

Hey DIY! So I had this hole in my basement ceiling into which an HVAC duct enters. I noticed recently that a ton of cold air was venting into my (unheated) basement from this hole.

I decided to fill the hole with mineral wool insulation to prevent this. The hole is now filled, but I’m wondering if I should cover the exposed insulation with anything. I’m not super concerned with aesthetics - more with safety and succeeding in the goal of preventing cold air from whooshing into my basement.

EDIT: Specifically, I’m wondering:

  • Is there any reason I should not cover it?
  • If not, what should I cover it with?
  • How should I secure the covering?

Thanks!

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Comments

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arebet t1_j1r9g6r wrote

Fill it or box it in. Looks as if the basement is a livable area why not keep it cleaned up.

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retro__grade OP t1_j1r9ktn wrote

Sorry, should have been clearer - I’m not sure what materials are correct to use to do that. House DIY noob here.

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arebet t1_j1rawkg wrote

Drywall to be consistent. Boxing it in by making a wood frame. 2x2s would work.

Quick and dirty would be to take a piece of panelling and nailing it down then coating with some joint compound and taping the joints.

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Ashesatsea t1_j1rda7u wrote

Another DIY noob here: I would make a cardboard template the size of the opening, then use that to pattern to a strip of drywall. Cut, chip and break the drywall to get that oval opening around the ducting. Concentrate on fitting the opening closest to you (as you stand there on your ladder); an insulation strip of foam can fill the gap. Since the ducting touches drywall on the right in this picture, just cut two more small triangles to fit the unseen corners closer to the wall. I would adhere those to the wall/drywall, then tape them in place until they dry since it looks like there’s no wood to screw them to. Mud the gaps, paint the repair and then the ducting to match the wall or ceiling. Then stuff the insulation strip around the curve of the ducting. Otherwise box it in like previously mentioned.

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Frosty-Start-4559 t1_j1rpdse wrote

Box in the ductwork so it isn’t exposed. Build a frame around the ductwork with lumber, then screw the dry wall to the frame and finish with seam tape, exterior corner drywall bead, and spackling compound, primer and paint. Do it right, don’t hack away at a piece of drywall to fit it around the ductwork, will still look bad.

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OriginalSuggestion87 t1_j1so54m wrote

Absolutely this. Depending on the geometry of the room and the rest of the walls, might even want to try an angled frame the full length of the wall with an undercut piece of drywall, mimicking a slanted attic ceiling if you don't want a random "box" in a corner.

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