Another option -- I just painted my furnace ducts a medium brown and left
them exposed. So of like some modern buildings. This way I could keep my
basement ceiling as high as possible. IMHO most framed in duct work looks
like what it is and just takes up more space. In my case the basement is
used so heat leakage from ducts is a non issue.

Good luck

BallyHigh wrote in message ...
Hi,

I'd like to insulate one of my (unfinished) basement walls. The problem
is
this: running parallel to the wall (near the ceiling) is a furnace duct,
and
the space between said wall and said duct is approx. 3 inches (a bit less
in
spots). I was thinking of insulating with 1.5'' of foam insulation with
1/2'' gypsum board covering, but anyone have a thought as to whether or
not
this would be hazardous? The duct is approx. 12" high, so the other
option
would be to just skip the upper 12" of wall and insulate below..

Many thanks,
Jim