How To Install Sheet Metal Joist Panning

This is the first component of the system and is installed directly to the supply air opening of the furnace.

How to install sheet metal joist panning.

Starting before return air trunk is installed. Can be cut to size to fit a variety of applications. Is that a towel in there. These panels can cost more to install that a traditional roof but in the long run are often a better value.

What the installer did here was to screw a piece of sheet metal to the bottom of the joists and attach a duct to it to carry the air back to the hvac system. As we look closer here s what we see in this house. In this case it s big enough that there s even a joist running right through the middle. Which i have as all i have is a rusty piece of sheet metal over the 2 joists and with those big box shaped vents.

Who knows i know theres duct tape. Using panned joists is not the best practice because the return air pathways cannot be air sealed properly. Width is equal to the distance of joist spacing which enables the panning to be nailed or screwed directly into the wood. If you use thermopan or ecofoil all you need to do is staple it right to the joists.

Plenum the plenum serves as the central collecting chamber for the conditioned air as it leaves the furnace. Install with sheet metal screws not included. Center thermo pan between joists and at least 2 past top side of duct to provide a tight seal when final trunk is installed. All you need to do is install whichever material you choose to the bottom of the floor joists and then seal the seams.

Some builders create pan joists by attaching a solid panning sheet material to the bottom of a floor joist to create a return air pathway. Corrugated metal panels often called tin because in the past such panels were sometimes made of tin are typically steel or aluminum sheets that are used as a roofing material. I didn t know they still use that type of return still though but it would make much more sense to at least sheet metal the sides of the joist and seal them so contaminants like wood mold and spiders and crap like that are not in the system. Secure sides to bottom of joists by stapling every four inches print side out.

Depending on the type of furnace in your home the plenum is secured to either the top of the furnace or over the supply air opening with sheet metal screws. Position first section of thermo pan as follows.