Can Plastic Be Used for Ductwork

Yes. Plastic is a common component that is used in rigid, and some flexible ducting. Plastic ducting is extremely beneficial for a variety of reasons, including…

• It’s lightweight, making it easier to handle and install for any situation.

• It is known to provide resistance to corrosion that can come as a result of certain chemicals or moisture.

• Due to its smooth surface, there is much less airflow friction compared to ducting that has seams. This means the air can travel through the duct much more efficiently.

• Plastic is known to be a cheaper material in some cases, making it a good option for those looking for the best value for money.

• It is easier to cut and assemble, especially when compared to metal ducting.

However, there are drawbacks to using plastic ducting. It is not the right option for certain environments due to the following limitations.

• Plastic melts at a lower temperature than metal ducting. So plastic ducting is not suitable for environments that will constantly transfer hot air.

• Plastic, although strong, does not have the kind of durability that metal generally has. So it requires a lot more care, especially if it is flexible ducting.

• If the building that the ducting is being installed in has certain fire safety regulations, using plastic ducting may not be the appropriate option.

Is there just one type of plastic ducting?

No. Below are the three main players when it comes to plastic ducting. They are…

• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). This is the most common type of plastic ducting you will find, it is rigid, durable, and especially beneficial to use in low-pressure applications. A common example would be the ducting used in a bathroom extractor fan.

• GRP (Glass reinforced Plastic). This is a modified version of PVC, it has had its durability and general resistance enhanced by using fibreglass. This makes it applicable for medium-pressure applications.

• Flexible plastic. Commonly found when using plastic flexible ducts. They can be manipulated rather easily, making them perfect for tight spaces. However, depending on the quality of installation, airflow can be restricted.

Is metal ductwork better?

Metal ductwork, like plastic ductwork, is an excellent option to consider for your ducting needs. It excels in areas that plastic ducting is limited in. This can include, but is not limited to…

• Heat resistance. Metal ducting has a much higher resistant to high temperatures compared to plastic. Making it perfect for applications that deal with the moving of hot air. Further to this point, this fire resistance allows metal ductwork to be the best option to adhere to fire safety regulations, in most cases.

• The durability of metal ducting is higher than plastic in most cases.

• Metal ducting has the capacity for a smooth airflow efficiency. Though, this benefit is dependent on the style and state of the internal surface of the ducting.

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