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Commitment to Excellence Drives Change
At a well-respected, mid-size HVAC and plumbing service company in Central Texas, excellence is more than an objective. Excellence is a mission that applies to every detail of the business, which has helped the family-owned company thrive throughout its extensive history. The general manager lives by this principle as he continues to seek new ways to enhance processes and service quality.
This company’s HVAC division provides air conditioning and heating services, including repair, new installations, replacement, ductwork, indoor air quality, and air flow analysis. The team also works with Texas subcontractors who help install and service residential HVAC systems within a 500-mile radius in Central Texas.
The Problem with Liquid Mastic
Workers often find properly applying liquid sealants challenging. Cracks from applying too much sealant and missing spots, both lead to air leakage. Errors in the manual application can cause pressure tests to fail, which leads to rework. In addition, since liquid sealants can be difficult to apply evenly, they tend to leave a messy appearance.
“It got to the point where they [HVAC crews] weren’t putting it on right. Liquid sealant is hard to cut into and didn’t always provide a clear, airtight seal,” the general manager explained. “If we had some issues, we might have to replace something. So, I was trying to figure out a way to help with duct leakage and make it a cleaner look.”
Determined to improve both the functional quality and visual of HVAC connections, the GM went to work searching for and testing other alternatives. The goal: cleaner installs, stronger seals, and a process subcontractors could easily adopt and execute.
The Hardcast Rolled Mastic Solution
That search led the company to Hardcast® Rolled Mastic Sealants from Carlisle. Unlike traditional liquid sealant applied with a brush from a gallon bucket, the Hardcast product comes on a roll like tape. It’s a foil-backed, self-adhesive mastic that is pressed onto joints using a squeegee for even pressure and consistency.
(Courtesy of Carlisle)
The general manager tried the 1402 Rolled Mastic Sealant himself at their plant and was pleased with the results.
“I found it easier to cut into and thought it looked like a cleaner install. Therefore, I thought it could be easier for the workers to cut into it and teach others. The previous liquid mastic was thicker and didn’t seal clearly,” he said.
Rolled Mastic Produced Cleaner Looks, Better Seals
He also believed that a cleaner appearance could streamline inspections, which could save time and help avoid mistakes caused by improper seals.
Beyond aesthetics, the GM saw another advantage: streamlined inspections. “It’s easier for inspectors and duct leakage techs to visually confirm a seal when it’s clean and uniform,” he said. That meant fewer callbacks and fewer surprises during final checks.
“I thought the rolled sealant would make it easier for duct leakage techs who check HVAC units to see that everything sealed quickly and not have to worry about issues and callbacks.”
Contractor Feedback to Hardcast Rolled Mastic Sealants: “Phenomenal”
To validate the switch, the company enlisted a subcontractor to conduct a real-world trial, comparing the rolled sealant’s performance and longevity against traditional mastic. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
“The feedback was phenomenal. They loved using the rolled sealant instead of the liquid mastic. Before, crews would use about four gallons of mastic for one single-story house. Now, they can do the same with a roll of rolled sealant.”
As a result, the team introduced the new process to all their subcontractors. The subcontractors embraced the change and appreciated the easy and efficient installation process. Workers no longer need to clean up layers of liquid on their hands.
“There’s no mess with the rolled application, no painting on the mastic and watching it get on your skin. It’s easier and cleaner. All of the subcontractors like this method a lot better.”
Rolled Mastic Savings That Add Up
Easier installation translates to less rework and fewer additional expenses needed to compensate for unplanned problems. Overall, HVAC crews use about one-third less rolled sealant tape than they do mastic sealant.
“Now we give them one roll of tape, and it lasts for three single-story homes. Instead of four jugs of liquid mastic, they’re only using 1 to 2 rolls of rolled sealant. You’re talking about two fewer gallons of jugs they must load onto the back of the truck. Now they just put a roll of tape in the vehicle.”
Builder Benefits: Cleaner, Brighter HVAC Systems Greet Inspectors
Using Hardcast rolled sealants makes the HVAC system cleaner and more appealing for inspectors and homeowners. Rolled sealants help new homes keep their clean, bright appearance.
“Builders want lower prices. We’re always looking for ways to cut costs. We have to figure out ways to save money, and then I can go to the builder and say, save $200 per house and get more business because I’m saving builders money.”
Why Quality and Reputation Still Matter
At the heart of it all is a commitment to delivering clean, high-performing HVAC systems.
“We pride ourselves on quality, and we warranty our work,” the general manager said. “It’s important that everything looks good and performs right the first time. That’s what keeps customers coming back.”
By swapping messy buckets for precision-rolled sealant, the HVAC and plumbing contracting company proved that innovation doesn’t always require reinventing the wheel. Sometimes, it just means looking for new ways to use available products to solve recurring problems.
Let Carlisle HVAC Help You with Your Next Project: From now through August 30, 2025, get a complimentary roll of their Hardcast Rolled Mastic Sealants. Grab a Roll.
As an industry leader, Carlisle HVAC manufactures superior products and solutions to ensure peak system performance and sustainability. Our product brands include Hardcast® (Duct Sealants and Adhesives), DynAir (Duct Airflow Hardware and Accessories), and Gripnail® (Duct Insulation Fastening Equipment). Carlisle HVAC sealants and adhesives are formulated to exceed all industry standards, while our hardware and equipment are engineered to ensure easy installation and smooth operation. As a leading HVAC solutions manufacturer, we deliver unparalleled customer support and training to help industry professionals in achieving maximum efficiency and long-term performance of their customers’ systems. Learn more: www.carlislehvac.com.