Does Ducting Need to Be Sealed?

In order to prevent mould, fresh air should always be introduced into your dwelling on a daily basis, 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.

For those taking this route and choosing to install themselves, we will answer the question ‘Does ducting need to be sealed?’

We at I-Sells are here to provide the answers you need whilst also supplying you with all the information you need in order to combat mould and have a well-ventilated home.

Alongside mould control, our venting and ducting solutions also aid in the removal of condensation, retention (and in some cases addition) of heat, and the removal of stale air in your home.

The purpose of ducting & ventilation

To understand the necessity for ducting, we must understand the role of the technology it supports the function of. That function is ventilation.

Ducting aids in the function of ventilation appliances (such as an extractor fan, cooker hood, or tumble dryer) by helping to facilitate ventilation in the home, by promoting airflow whilst decreasing levels of humidity. This is particularly important as humidity is a key factor in the formation & spreading of mould in your home.

Some ventilation purely extracts the air of the room it is in, whilst others extract the inside air and then recycle and return it.

Improper ventilation of the home usually leaves signs you can notice, which include:

There is almost always condensation on the windows or walls
Odours linger in the house for extended periods of time, especially in the kitchen or bathroom
High humidity, leading to wood rot or mould
You can’t see it working (in the case of a cooker hood for example, you can’t see smoke or steam travel directly up it)

Ducting is used in order to create an isolated airflow for extracted air to travel through. These systems aid in creating a home with fresh air and help to regulate the temperature in order to prevent the cultivation of mould and dampness.

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.

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 damp is caused by improper ventilation. To assess your options, click here.

Does ducting need to be sealed?

Yes, aside from the ends that receive and expel the air that is covered with slats, there should be no other holes in your ducting. Holes in your ducting will result in leakage in the form of dust, as well as the air being collected or expelled.

This means less efficiency, with fewer results. Depending on where the unsealed area is, it can also result in condensation, creating a new home for mould which can be difficult to access and even harder to get rid of. Not to mention the spores can travel through the airways of the ducting.

What if I want to seal ducting myself?

It is possible to seal your ducts yourself, however, if you are new to this process we recommended you contact your local tradesman in order to assist you. A professional will ensure no mistakes are made.

If you choose to do this yourself, the best option to use to seal ducting is by using duct seal. This is a compound designed to fill cracks & leaks in ductwork. Using gloves, attach the case to a mastic gun & simply apply the sealant on the affected area. You can spread the sealant via a plastic spatula or additionally secure the area with fabric mesh.

What options do I have for ducting?

Round Pipe:

Round ducting has the highest airflow performance, this is due to a wider diameter increasing its free area. The lack of corners also decreases resistance within the pipe, which allows for higher airflow rates and higher rates of ventilation.

It is recommended for most applications where space is available for installation. Its main purposes are for long ducting runs, whole-house ventilation systems, HVAC systems, bathroom, toilet and utility room extract fan venting, or any occasion where high rates of extraction are required.

Round PVC ducting pipe can be used for venting exhaust odours and steam from cooker hoods, although flexible ducting may be easier to install in many instances.

Sizes are available from 100mm, 300mm, 500mm and 600mm diameters, with sizes between these dimensions also available. Both round and flat ducting have smooth inner surfaces to reduce air resistance and noise.

Pros & Cons of Round Ducting

Pros:	Cons:
High Airflow	Difficult to conceal
Less friction	Poor results in low-pressure systems
Lightweight	More expensive than flat ducting
Corrosion-resistant
Better for high-pressure systems
Designed for HVAC systems

Flat Channel Duct:

Flat channel ducting is ideal when a low profile is required due to lack of space. It can also be concealed and flush fit against ceilings and walls or within voids.

Please bear in mind that as a result of a lower free area, there is greater pressure created within a duct run. It is therefore essential that you check the manufacturer information for the fan you are planning to install within the run.

If the fan is extracting at a rate that is greater than the duct run can cope with, there is potential for the fan to overheat and burn out. This is both costly and unnecessary.

Flat channel plastic ducting is generally used for installations requiring low extraction rates such as bathrooms, toilets, and utility rooms. Sizes available from 110x54mm to 310x29mm.

Pros & Cons of Flat Channel Ducting

Pros	Cons
Corrosion-resistant	Creates more noise within duct run
Lightweight	Poor results within high-pressure systems
Easy to flush fit and conceal	Increased air resistance
Ideal for low-pressure applications

Be mindful of where you place your ducting in order to understand what kind of ducting you need, and where it’s access doors will be, which are vital in order to maintain the effectiveness of your ventilation by cleaning the ducting buildup at regular intervals.

Flexible ducting

Ducting can come in two forms, rigid and flexible ducting. Both can be made from plastic or metal.

Our flexible ducting hose and pipes can be used for exhausting air conditioning, venting tumble dryers, bathroom fans, HVAC systems and kitchen hoods. Available for purchase with delivery all over the UK. Custom sizes can be fabricated, and UK sales of stocked products over £100 are free of delivery charges.

Plastic or metal ducting?

Plastic ducting

Plastic ducting is usually made from PVC. Plastic ducting is typically used as ventilation within domestic properties, principally within student flats and modernisations. It is preferred because of its lightness, its airtight properties & durability. It is usually used in rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens, and HVAC systems.

Our lightweight PVC coated ductwork is manufactured from high-quality uPVC and is designed to create minimal air resistance, maximum airflow and minimal pressure loss.

We provide plastic ducting lengths, connectors, bends, brackets, and accessories such as reducers, attenuators and other fittings.

Plastic ducting has a number of advantages including:

It is lightweight
It’s easy to install
It’s smooth on the inside, making for efficient installations
It is easy to cut
It doesn’t corrode
It can be insulated

Metal ducting

Metal ducting are ideal for ventilation systems set up in hotter environments, an example being a cooker hood.Metal ducting is also a popular choice for spaces and environments with air rich in certain compounds that could be hazardous or damaging to standard choices.

HVAC experts and engineers typically choose to rely on stainless steel for aggressive environments, where corrosion is highly likely.

We provide round ductwork fittings and accessories in a large range of diameters to suit all purposes including HVAC systems and extractor fans. Our metal ductwork is manufactured from high-quality galvanised Aluminium.

The benefits of metal ducting are as follows:

It can be used in rooms that have appliances that emit a lot of heat
High-quality galvanised aluminium ensures long-lasting function
Ideal for industrial environments
Can be insulated.

I-Sells – Here to help with ducting

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 ‘Does ducting need to be sealed?’

We understand you may have more questions, Please 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*

Monday – Friday: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm

Saturday: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Sunday: Closed

15 St John’s Parade

Sidcup, Kent

DA14 6ES

United Kingdom