How to seal where ac line enters home - DIY Chatroom

stubits · 10-26-2009, 02:25 PM

All- When the AC was installed in my brick home (before we were the owners), the techs made a larger hole than was necessary, or is common in the neighborhood. To repair it, they just embedded a chunk of brick in a bunch of mortar. Unfortunately this fix only lasted about a year. I notice on many of the homes in my neighborhood, this area is sealed nicely and cleanly with some sort of black material.

For the pros, hopefully, what do you guys use? Specifically in the case of a brick house.

Thanks!

hennyh · 10-26-2009, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stubits

All- When the AC was installed in my brick home (before we were the owners), the techs made a larger hole than was necessary, or is common in the neighborhood. To repair it, they just embedded a chunk of brick in a bunch of mortar. Unfortunately this fix only lasted about a year. I notice on many of the homes in my neighborhood, this area is sealed nicely and cleanly with some sort of black material.

For the pros, hopefully, what do you guys use? Specifically in the case of a brick house.

Never let the actual copper lines touch ground or the masonry wall. They need to be insulated from any contact that could result in corrosion. It sounds like a "hack" installed that system. I'm sure a pro could do a better job and it shouldn't cost too much.

I'd use a Thermal Thimble. It's a professional way to run refrigerant lines thru a wall.

stubits · 10-26-2009, 02:41 PM

Interesting. I just googled it and can't find anything. Do you have a weblink? What exactly is it?

hennyh · 10-26-2009, 04:21 PM

Here's what they look like. Sorry, they're called Thermo Thimbles.

http://www.comfortgurus.com/product_...oducts_id/2188#

stubits · 10-27-2009, 08:23 AM

Henny-

That looks like an excellent product, but it simply won't work here. It looks more geared towards new work, where as our AC line has already been run. Also, the hole seems to be a bit too large for this.

Is there a good expanding foam, silicone, putty, etc. that is used?

Ebbo · 10-27-2009, 08:32 AM

Thumb gum.

http://www.comfortgurus.com/product_...oducts_id/2160

jerryh3 · 10-27-2009, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stubits

Henny-

That looks like an excellent product, but it simply won't work here. It looks more geared towards new work, where as our AC line has already been run. Also, the hole seems to be a bit too large for this.

Is there a good expanding foam, silicone, putty, etc. that is used?

http://www.computercablestore.com/Du..._PID43865.aspx

stubits · 10-27-2009, 08:46 AM

Excellent. Ebbo, Jerry, are both those products OK outside? Will they prevent water intrusion?

Henny- I missed something in your first post. You're right, this system was installed by a total hack, but it works more or less OK. I need to re do much of the ductwork inside to optimize things. Fortunately the copper pipe is insulated, so no direct contact with the masonry. Thanks!