Which statement about sealing ductboard is true?

Which statement about sealing ductboard is true?

• A. Tape cross tabs may be used instead of staples.
• B. Criss tabs must be used exclusively, not cross tabs.
• C. Nails are an acceptable substitute for staples.
• D. Sealant foam is the only approved sealing material.

Answer: (A)

Sealing ductboard relies on both a secure joint and a proper seal to prevent air leaks and fiber release. The joints are often held together with cross tabs or criss tabs, and you have the option to secure those tabs with tape instead of staples. Using tape on the cross tabs provides an airtight seal and avoids penetrating the ductboard with fasteners, which is a supported method when done with the right foil tape. This makes tape-on-cross-tabs the best choice among the options. Keep in mind that criss tabs aren’t required exclusively, nails aren’t an acceptable substitute for staples, and foam sealant isn’t the only approved sealing material—foil tape (often with mastic as needed) is also commonly used to seal ductboard joints.

Sealing ductboard relies on both a secure joint and a proper seal to prevent air leaks and fiber release. The joints are often held together with cross tabs or criss tabs, and you have the option to secure those tabs with tape instead of staples. Using tape on the cross tabs provides an airtight seal and avoids penetrating the ductboard with fasteners, which is a supported method when done with the right foil tape. This makes tape-on-cross-tabs the best choice among the options.

Keep in mind that criss tabs aren’t required exclusively, nails aren’t an acceptable substitute for staples, and foam sealant isn’t the only approved sealing material—foil tape (often with mastic as needed) is also commonly used to seal ductboard joints.