How to Attach Flexible Duct to Vent

Attaching a flexible duct to a vent is a relatively simple process, as long as you have the items required. We do not recommend undertaking this process if you have severe dust allergies or any physical issues that prevent free movement.

In a wide majority of circumstances, we strongly recommend seeking the services of a professional in order to install your ventilation and its ducting. If this is not possible, we hope that the guidance we provide will be helpful.

Please note that this is a general guide, and may not reflect the individual circumstances of your home, ventilation system, and ducting purchased.

To attach a flexible duct to a vent, you will need…

• A Flexible duct. (Ensure that its circumference is not smaller than the vent it will be attached to).
• Hose clips. Ensure that you have enough to cover both ends of the ducting.
• A screwdriver, although this can be optional depending on if your hose clip requires tightening.
• A box cutter or other appropriate cutting object.

Once you have these items ready, you can begin.

1. Measure the vent opening against the flexible duct, it should not be smaller than the vent, but it should not be so big that the vent can fit through it either. It should just be large enough to cover the required space, with a little room to manoeuvre.
2. Cut the flexible duct to the appropriate length that you require.
3. With your hose clip in hand, loosen it so it can go around the end of your flexible duct that will be attached to the vent.
4. Move the ducting on towards the vent opening carefully, ensure that the hose clip hasn’t moved from the end of the duct during this process. Make sure that the end of the duct is covering the vent opening.
5. Once in position, tighten the hose clip, make sure it is both on the end of the flexible duct, and around the vent opening. If done correctly, the duct should be secured. Depending on the hose clip you get, it may require additional tightening via a screwdriver.
6. Repeat this step for the opposite side of the duct, attaching it to the outlet in question.

Additional tips

• You can use aluminium tape to create a more secure connection around the ducting. Aluminium tape is extremely effective for ducting that has to ventilate hot air. Avoid using sellotape or duct tape, as their adhesive quality diminishes.

• With flexible ducting, it can be really easy to bend the ducting to make it fit in the space you need, try to limit this as much as possible. The more twists and turns that are in ducting, the more restriction there will be on the airflow.

• Try to keep the ducting straight and taut between the duct and the vent, try to prevent any instances in which the ducting will sag.

• Insulating the ducting will help to keep a consistent temperature through it, helping to prevent condensation, whilst also providing a nominal level of protection against cuts.

Does a flexible duct have to be secure?

Yes, absolutely. Air can escape through any little hole or crevice. When it comes to ducting, we want to make sure that the air that runs through it makes its way to the end and does not expel in any other area.

If this doesn’t happen, you can expect smells, smoke, and humidity to linger in areas they aren’t supposed to. This is particularly worrying when it comes to humidity, as it can easily accumulate and become condensation, which then can become mould.

If mould develops in and around your ducting, it could spell serious consequence for your health, and your home if it isn’t removed immediately.

Where to buy flexible ducting online