I have condensation and some dripping water from a duct in my basement (unfinished). Based on the threads I've read, it seems like covering the duct in insulation will fix this. However, I can only cover three sides of the duct, as the top is butted up to the ceiling. Will covering the three sides help, or will more condensation form on the uninsulated top?

Also, I have some leaks on some of the duct seams. Would you recommend sealing those leaks first and then applying insulation, or will the insulation be enough to stop the leaks?

Thanks,
Joe

I have some leaks on some of the duct seams. Would you recommend sealing those leaks first and then applying insulation

YES

If you have a high moisture basement a large stand alone dehumidifier is a good cure. I would try that before the insulation since you cannot encapsulate the entire duct.


The problem is the duct is cold and that makes the duct act as a evaporator of sorts collecting moisture on it. You might also make sure your A/C drain line is not restricted preventing complete flow to the drain.

Do you have any ac registars it the basement? Cut in a few supplys and your problem will probably go away.

Never cross contaminate basement air. As the air is forced into the basement all it will do is force the Vapor laden air into a return air somewhere somehow. This can create a great place for mold and mildue to form especially in the ducts. Then you can spend the big bucks having a specialist clean them all. LOL

The moisture needs to go away not be recirculated into the home.

I do not have any returns in the basement (looks like the prior owner sealed it off). I do have one supply register and it is open. Based on your comments, sounds like I should close that off as the cool air is cause at least part of my condensation issue?

My basement is unfinished and we don't use it much, I am only worried about high humidity causing mold. I do have a dehumidifer but don't run it enough is my guess.

I do have a dehumidifer but don't run it enough is my guess.

Run it to get rid of the moisture.