Do you know that ductwork is the most important part of your HVAC system? The air ducts help circulate warm and cool air throughout the building. So, without it, your HVAC unit will be impractical. However, every space has distinct needs, so the types of ductwork used in home and commercial buildings differ. So, here you will find what are the three types of ducting and their uses.
Three Types of Ducting/Ductwork
If you are unsure as to which ductwork is suitable for your property, you must contact a reliable duct cleaning company.
Flexible Ductwork
These are usually round-shaped tubes manufactured of steel wire and enveloped in a long-lasting and flexible plastic tube. Besides the three types of ducting, many flexible ductworks are also encased by insulation to help keep the environment cozy.
Flexible ducts are convenient to install and are an affordable option. Also, it is ideal ductwork that can be used in constricted and stroppy spaces where other types are hard to adjust. As these ductworks are supple, they can flex around immovable structures to adjust in any space. Though, these ductworks are vulnerable to kinks and bends, can hinder airflow, and reduce the HVAC efficiency. Besides, ridges on the internal side of the ducts can easily condense the airflow.
Another benefit of installing flexible ductwork is maintaining good indoor air quality. These ducts are made of plastic, similar to the rigid ducts. So, it reduces the possibility of discharge of hazardous particles in the air. Hence, there are lesser pollutants in the environment that can harm your health. Else, the plastic is also resistant to mold and rust growth, so you won’t have to spend regularly on air duct sanitizing in Alpharetta. Moreover, these ducts are less prone to seepages, so you don’t have to worry about air escapes.
Rigid Ductwork
Another highly demanded air duct from the three types of ducting is the “rigid ductwork”. These ducts vary in size and material composition. Also, you may find it in various shapes like rectangular and cylindrical. As these ducts are rigid, they are less prone to kinks or bends, so you don’t have to worry about restricted airflow and compromised HVAC performances.
Unlike flex ductwork, it is not susceptible to tearing or perforation. Besides, rigid ducts are unsuitable for constricted and tight spaces. Also, there are a variety of ductworks that include sheet metal ducts, fiberglass-lined ducts, and fibreboard ductwork.
Sheet Metal Ducts
Galvanized steel or aluminum is the main manufacturing material of these sheet metal ducts. The aluminum ductwork is lightweight and easy to install. Similar to flexible ductwork, the sheet metal ducts are mold resistant due to their non-porous feature. Also, by installing sheet metal ducts, you can enjoy germ-free and clean indoor air quality for a prolonged period. It is highly durable as it has a pro shape that cannot be easily crushed. On the contrary, the sheet metal ducts are more probable to suffer from leakages if you join two sections.
Fiberglass Lined Ducts
The fiberglass material layers a few sheet metal ducts (on either the internal or external side). The layer acts as an insulation to maintain the temperature at optimum temperature and help avoid condensation, and stifle the disturbing sound of the HVAC unit.
People love fiberglass-lined ducts due to their distinct quality of stifling the sound and is an ideal choice for office and other commercial spaces. However, a major disadvantage is that the fiberglass can easily deteriorate over time. Hence, it results in the discharge of tiny fibers into the tube. So, if you are exposed to fiber-loaded air for a long time, you can suffer from breathing or other health issues.
Also, these ducts are more challenging to maintain, as the cleaning process may easily damage the lining, leading to the discharge of fiber in the air. Besides, fiberglass-lined ducts are more susceptible to mold growth, and bacterial infestation as compared to flexible ducts or sheet metal ducts, due to their permeable surface. Moreover, cleaning these ducts is a professional’s task as it helps prevent the growth of germs, contaminants and avoid the release of fibers particles.
Fiberboard Ducts
Did you know that uncloaked and compressed fiberglass makes up the fiberboard ducts. The encasing does not allow any particles to enter the air. An encased foil shields the external side of these boards. Also, it restricts air and moisture. Also, these ducts are ideal insulators that do not require add-on insulation. Besides, if you have any budget constraints, these ducts are not only ideal for insulation but also pocket-friendly. Just like fiberglass-lined ducts and fiberboard ducts, it is susceptible to mold and mildew growth. Moreover, the internal part of the fiberboard ducts is coarse that may cause abrasion in the airflow, and diminish your HVAC system’s efficiency.
Which Air Duct Materials Are Best?
As you know that sheet metal is the main manufacturing material of every ductwork. However, there are some other useful materials also that experts use to meet the requirements of varying circumstances. Here is a list to explore:
Galvanized Steel
Ductwork fabrication is mainly done using galvanized steel. The steel ductwork expands and contracts as the temperature rises and drops.
Aluminum
Another highly demanded ductwork material is aluminum. You may use the ductwork to clean the room facilities and specialized exhaust systems.
Stainless Steel
If you are looking for an ideal ductwork for your kitchens and fume exhausts, then opt for stainless steel ducts. You may find that some unprotected ductworks while others are covered.
Black Iron
Black iron also known as carbon steel is readily used to make flue tubes and chimneys.
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What are Non-Metallic Ducts?
It might amaze you that not all ductworks are metallic. The absorbent polyester material is the manufacturing material of Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP). You can readily find it in labs, school canteens, or workplaces. Last, of all, weaker flex material make up a handful of ducts. A wire coil supports the internal layer of flex ductwork, while the insulation material encases it. So, you can ideally use it for new construction or old home refurbishing.