For almost everybody, flexible ducting is a beneficial and required option for your home’s ventilation system in this blog we will be addressing all you need to know about flexible ducting, as well as where to buy flexible ducting.
To prevent mould, fresh air should always be introduced into your dwelling daily, as it helps to regulate temperature and reduce condensation. Introducing fresh air can be as simple as having a ventilation routine, or installing extractors or PIV systems. Almost all of this is facilitated by ducting.
Knowing the length of time your flexible ducting should last is key in knowing whether or not you should replace your ducting. And sometimes, whether it is insulated or not may affect that.
I-Sells is here to provide the answers you need whilst also supplying you with all the information you need to combat mould and have a well-ventilated home.
What is ducting and why do we need it?
The ducting system is a series of interconnected hollow tubes dedicated to the movement of air, ducting pipes can come in different sizes and as previously mentioned, in different shapes, each of which has its benefit.
Ducting pipes can be as long or as short as required by the space it is occupying. Additionally, ducting can be created from different materials, as we will highlight below.
Ducting is used to facilitate the process of ventilation, ducting systems may vary, but generally are made from plastic or metal & made into the piping which intakes air from the room it is in & expels it outside.
The main purpose of ventilation is to introduce outdoor air into a dwelling, building or room being evenly distributed. Its general purpose is to allow “healthy” air for breathing & diluting pollutants that may be present in the dwelling, building or area.
Flexible ducting explained
Flexible ducting (also known as flex ducts, or flexi ducts) serves the same purpose as regular ducting, the function does not change, and the only change is the conduit in which the air travels. There are nominal differences between the two that may make one more effective than the other, but this is purely subject to your needs.
Regular ducting is solid, it can not be manipulated into specific spaces unless it is made specifically for that space. Flexible ductwork however is specially designed to be manipulated into spaces during installation ( and after if necessary.)
Why would I need flexible ducting?
Flexible ducting is ideal for those with limited space but still require ducting. It can also be used as a temporary option. Flexible ducting can come in plastic or metal, applicable in home/accommodation settings, or industrial settings. An example of flexible ducting can be seen in conjunction with vented tumble dryers.
What happens if I dont have any ducting?
Having no ducting leads to your home having nowhere to expell any steam, pollutants and stale air, this will result in mould, condensation, bad odours and more. Having no ducting at all would also make the building in question legally inhospitable
![What happens if I dont have any ducting?](https://www.i-sells.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/shutterstock_1224948022.jpg)
I-Sells is proud to be the UK’s Leading supplier in ducting and ventilation, so when it comes to buying a variety of quality ducting and ventilation, we are the first port of call for HVAC experts and everyday customers alike.
The flexible ducting we offer comes in a variety of sizes and styles, including varying diameters including an aluminium 100mm diameter, and 102mm diameter . We have certain flexible ducting that is more suited to hot environments, all the way to ducting you can use for your tumble dryer.
Of course, we also offer ducting at different lengths to suit your needs which you can decide before ordering.
Can I use any kind of ducting?
Not necessarily, some ducting is more suited to home environments whilst others are more suited to industrial environments.
Luckily we have two seperate categories for this on our website to make it easier for you to navigate depending on your needs. Simply hover over the tab that says ‘flexible hoses’ and choose between ‘commercial’ and ‘industrial’ to begin browsing.
Can I cut flex ducts?
Yes, it is possible to cut flex ducts, in order to do this you will need a duct knife or a utility knife, and securing with a metal hose clip. You should make sure that before cutting your flexible ducting, you have fully extended it within the space it will be occupying.
It should not be coiled in any area except for the end that you intend to cut.
When should ducting be replaced?
Firstly, establish the status of the current ducting that is installed. You would want to ask how long they have been there & when they were last inspected. This applies to both flexible and round ducting, regardless of what it is made from.
Any ducting that hasn’t been updated or checked beyond 20 years is definitely in need of replacement. If they don’t have the answer, here are some key factors that would determine your ductwork being replaced without the intervention of an HVAC technician to check themselves.
- A reduced input/output (this can indicate a large amount of dust inside the ducting)
- Broken areas that allow air to escape, whether this is on the ducting pipe or the connecting joints
- Condensation on the ductwork
- If the ducting hasn’t been checked or worked on in years
- Mould in areas neighbouring the ducting (could be an indication to mould being within the ductwork.)
Are there any downsides to flexible ducting?
![Are there any downsides to flexible ducting?](https://www.i-sells.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/shutterstock_1156231702.jpg)
Flexible ducting, like any piece of ducting is susceptible to being worn out over time. Additionally, if installed incorrectly, or neglected, flex ducting has a higher likelihood of accumulating dust and getting torn easier due to the flexible nature of this particular ducting.
Is round ducting better than flexible ducting?
Its not a question as to which is better, as each style of ducting is made to be suited for certain environments. Each have their own pros and cons, but that being said it does not reduce the effectiveness of the other, it just means that one is more suited for an environment than another.
What is the average lifespan of ducting?
On average, ducting that has been regularly maintained has a lifespan of 20-25 years, this is regardless of the style of ducting, making sure the environment is appropriate for the ducting also leads to a long life for your ducting.
How to maintain healthy ducting
- Have it checked, whenever you feel it is working less efficiently, or every 1-3 years.
- Keep it away from mouldy areas (remove the mould if possible) and condensation.
- Never purchase 2nd hand ducting
- Make sure your ducting is installed correctly & by a professional if possible.
- Consider buying insulation for your ducting to keep it safe from condensation
- Make sure your ducting is suitable for the environment it is placed in
Purchase flexible ducting today
![Purchase flexible ducting today](https://www.i-sells.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/shutterstock_2135260923.jpg)
We at I-Sells endeavour to make sure our customers have all the information they need before choosing to invest in our mould solutions. Be sure to visit our blog page to gain knowledge on the wide array of factors and issues surrounding ventilation, mould, condensation, and much more.
We hope to have answered the question ‘Where to buy flexible ducting?’
We understand you may have more questions, Do not hesitate to contact us for more information with regard to whatever you may need our help with. If you’d like to send us an email, click here. For other contact options, see below:
Call us on 020 8463 9696
Visit us at our showroom:
*OPENING TIMES*
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Saturday: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
15 St John’s Parade
Sidcup, Kent
DA14 6ES
United Kingdom
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