12.2 C
Washington

Flexible and metal ductwork. What’s the difference?

Date:

Share:

Ducting is used in a wide variety of situations, for heating and ventilation (HVAC) systems and for extracting fumes and dust, for example. But it comes in a number of different types, most notably flexible ducting and rigid, metal ducting.

Image Credit

The essential difference between these is obvious, but there are other considerations too which we need to look at in more detail.

Flexible ducting

A flexible duct can be made of a number of different materials. These include PVC, rubber, stainless steel, galvanised steel and coated polyester fabric. Silicone Hose Manufacturers like https://www.goodflexrubber.com/pages/silicone-hose-manufacture are a good bet for this. Its advantages are that it’s easy to handle and to attach to plant or to more rigid ducting and this can be done using metal band clamps or zip ties. This means it’s easier and faster to install, especially in existing structures.

The material you choose for your ducting will depend on the environment as in extreme conditions some will stand up better than others. A galvanised spiral duct from a supplier, will be more resistant to heat and cooling. You also need to think about factors like abrasion and exposure to the elements.

Image Credit

With flexible ducting, it’s important to plan the installation to avoid sharp curves and kinks as well as long unsupported runs. Joints need to be supported and it’s also important to ensure that they are properly sealed. This type of ducting works best for short runs and for adding branches to existing systems.

Metal ducting

Rigid metal ducting is usually specified when it’s being installed at the building stage rather than being retrofitted to an existing structure. It requires more detailed design and measurement and careful installation to ensure that it does its job effectively.

Metal ducting is commonly used for heating and air conditioning systems and planning for it needs to take account of the level of heat and volume of air to be moved and metal ducting offers lower resistance to air flow, so the system is likely to be more efficient overall –https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/air-conditioning-inspections-for-buildings.

Metal ducting is a more expensive option to install initially. However, it can deliver savings in the long run as ongoing maintenance costs are likely to be lower. The choice ultimately comes down to the size and type of system, how it’s going to be used, the location and design of the building, and of course, the budget.

Subscribe to our magazine

━ more like this

Share market holiday as Hustle: BSE Trading Tactics

 Share market holidays, often viewed as breaks from the hustle and bustle of trading, can actually be strategic opportunities for traders to hustle in...

Nurturing creativity and confidence in children through dancing

Dancing has many benefits for physical health, mental health, and self-esteem for people of all ages, but it might be especially beneficial for a...

Unique accessories to add to your daily outfits

The way we choose to represent ourselves in our day-to-day activities could help us leave a good impression, express ourselves, and show a little...

How to Make Your House Look Like A Luxurious Mansion

Do you have that friend whom you always visit and the moment you step foot into their house you get that feeling that makes...

Top Weirdest Cryptos That Actually Exist

Let’s face it, creating a cryptocurrency isn’t exactly difficult. Just about anyone can do it, with the process really only requiring a bit of...
spot_img