Is Aluminium Ducting Better than Plastic?

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 own benefit.

Ducting pipes can be as long or as short as required in accordance with 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 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.

As a result of this fresh air, it prevents mould from growing as it disrupts the environment it needs. There are many devices and systems in recent times that can help to facilitate this function on an industrial level all the way to a local level like 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.

Signs your ducting isn’t working

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. Ducting and ventilation can help prevent an environment necassary for mould to develop in.

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.

Aluminium & plastic 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.

Is aluminium ducting better than plastic?

There is no definitive answer when it comes to judging which form of ducting is better. We previously highlighted the benefits of metal and plastic ducting, the effectiveness of the ducting is subjective to your needs.

You should always choose ducting that is relative to your needs in order to get the best out of your ducting system.

Does ductwork need sealing?