Are Metal Ducts Better?

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.

No Ducting means more mould

Mould reproduces from tiny spores. The spores float through the air and deposit on the surfaces. Under adequate temperature, moisture, and nutrient conditions, the spores can form new mould colonies.

condensation is not the only cause of mould, it can occur from leaks in the structure of a building too. Ducting and ventilation can help prevent an environment necessary for mould to develop, along with a ventilation routine.

Mould can severely affect your immune and respiratory system, as the spores are easily breathable and not obvious to see through the human eye.

If you have found mould in your home, you need to assess if this is your landlord’s responsibility (for example it could be from a leaking roof that needs repairing). Or if the dampness is caused by improper ventilation. To assess your options, click here.

Are Metal ducts better?

Metal ducting is better than plastic in certain situations. There are pros and cons that make metal ducts better. However, this doesn’t make them the best option available.

Metal ducts are generally suited to industrial environments in which hot air, or air may contain chemicals that need to be ventilated. Metal ducting handles these situations with little to no problem. Metal ducting can also be used in homes in areas where heat would be emitted such as a cooker hood.

What happens if ducting is unsealed?

Whether your metal or plastic ducting is unsealed because of a crack, breakage or inadequate connection, the ducting’s level of efficiency will be below par. Furthermore, the pollutants that the ducting was working to ventilate will be dispsersed in the environment it was extracted from.

Another effect of unsealed ducting is condensation, mould can occur within the ducting. This presents a dangerous scenario, the mould spores can be ventilated throughout the whole ducting system along with the dwelling. Which can cause serious health problems if left unattended.

Aiding ventilation manually