How to Add a Room Air Duct with Speedi-Boot – mount the vent boot and connect the flexible air duct. This project is continued from Part 2.
The Speedi-Boot™ air vent is fastened by nailing the feet of the telescoping arms to the wood joists with the pre-installed nails (you can also use screws). This is where the Speedi-Boot really shines compared to a raw vent boot where I’d have to measure, saw and mount 2″x4″ blocks to build a box frame.
Speedi-Boot Ceiling Joist Mount
Remember, the Speedi-Boot can be mounted perpendicular (as shown) or parallel (turned 90 degrees) to the joists by removing the telescoping arms and reinstalling on the other side as illustrated in Part 1 of this project.
Installation Tip: Lightly press and hold the Speedi-Boot against the drywall for a snug fit while nailing the feet.
Flexible Air Duct Installation
Push back the fiberglass outer jacket to expose the coiled-wire inner core of the air duct. Slide the inner core over the Speedi-Boot as shown.
Secure the duct to the Speedi-Boot with metal foil HVAC tape. Smooth out all wrinkles for an air tight seal.
Slide the insulated outer jacket over the neck of the Speedi-Boot and secure with a zip-tie. Trim off the excess tail of the zip tie.
Lay the flexible air duct as straight as possible and cover the Speedi-Boot with insulation.
Take care to provide a generous radius on all bends in the flexible air duct to avoid kinks that would restrict the air flow.
Rigid Air Duct Trunk Line Take-Off
The new air vent branch line will be connected to the rigid air duct trunk. I strongly recommend against splicing into an existing supply branch line if at all possible, i.e. making a wye or tee connection, because this can result in insufficient air flow for comfort. However, if you’re installing a return air vent, then splicing into an existing branch line is OK.
Place the starting collar in the center of the rigid duct and trace a circle to cut the mounting hole.
Cut the starting collar hole with a utility knife.
The starting collar is installed with the mounting fingers inside the air duct.
Reach inside the starting collar and bend the fingers outward 90 degrees to secure it the rigid air duct.
The starting collar is sealed to the rigid air duct with metal foil tape.
Use only minimum length plus an extra 2 feet of flexible air duct needed to span the distance from the air vent to the starting collar. Cut the outer- an inner jackets with a utility knife or scissors, then cut the spring wire on the inner jacket with wire snips. My pocket Leatherman has wire snips at the base of the pliers tool. Fasten and seal the inner duct with metal foil tape.
The air duct installation is completed with a zip tie.
Here’s the new flexible air duct branch line:
The attic work is now complete.
Ceiling Air Vent Installation
I’m ready to install the air register on the new Speedi-Boot vent. Speedi-Boots have dust covers to keep out spray paint, dirt and debris. The dust cover is especially helpful for floor installations to keep out dirt during while remodeling or adding a new room.
Remove the dust cover:
Speedi-Grille™ Ceiling/Wall Air Register
The Speedi-Grille register is a high quality product that snaps into the vent boot, holding itself in place until permanently fastened with the included screws.
The secret to Speedi-Grille are the two sheet metal spring tabs that run the length of the register. Just press the Speedi-Grille into the Speedi-Boot and it snaps into place until the mounting screws are installed. I really liked this feature because I’m always dropping screws while trying to hold a standard grille in place.
Speedi-Grille installation is a snap (pun intended). Now I’ve got two free hands to install the mounting screws.
The Speedi-Grille air register is attached with two screws that fit into the register pilot holes on the Speedi-Boot. The screws clamp the register and Speedi-Boot together, compressing the foam rubber gasket of the mud ring to the drywall for an air-tight seal. Compare this to a raw vent boot that leaks air into the attic.
Standard Air Register Option
Standard air registers also work fine with Speedi-Boot, just install the normal way with a screw- or socket driver.
The Speedi-Boot is huge improvement in air vent installation speed, fit, finish, and quality.
Thanks for reading,
Bob Jackson
