Choosing the ducting material for a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning job depends on the desired effects of the ductwork. Insulation is also an important factor, as heat loss or gains through the ductwork can impact the efficiency of the system. Noise reduction should also be a consideration when the sound of the HVAC system must be reduced. Below are some of the best materials you can choose from to make your duct project successful.
What Material is Best for My Project’s Ducts?
High-Quality Raw and Fabricated Sheet Metal for All Your Ductwork Needs!
What Material is Best for My Project’s Ducts?
Fiberglass
Fiberglass duct boards offer moisture resistance and buffer sounds, which reduces noises produced by heating and cooling systems for quiet operation and can make the material ideal for projects in commercial buildings. Because of the sealed interior lining, however, fiberglass ducts require intense cleaning that can make the ductwork less durable.
Fiberboard
This type of duct is made of fiberglass held together by resin, with foil added to the exterior for insulation. Since the inside surface is textured from the fiberglass strands, it is easy for dust and debris to get trapped, so long-term air quality and efficiency are a potential concern with this material. Fiberboard ducts are generally less expensive than sheet metal material, which makes it ideal for projects with a small budget.
Flexible Ducts
Flexible ducts can curve to fit a variety of applications, although curves in the ducts will increase the pressure on the air conditioning or heating system. The design of flexible ducts increases resistance to airflow, but it is best to use as little flexible ductwork as possible. Insulated models provide better sound and moisture resistance than non-insulated models, however.
Sheet Metal
Made of galvanized steel or aluminum, rigid sheet metal is the most common type of ductwork. The thick, solid wall makes the duct very durable, but it should also be known that the interior is known to trap dust and other particles. This isn’t too much to worry about, however, since the smooth surface is generally very easy to clean. If you go with sheet metal in your building, it is a good idea to get your ducts professionally cleaned now and then to maintain air quality.
Choosing the right ductwork for your business comes down to the overall design, your needs for heat retention or noise reduction, and budget. When you work with Metal Marketz, all of your needs will be prioritized, so we can create ductwork that yields the best performance and efficiency on your budget. Give us a call today to learn more.