To prevent mould, fresh air should always be introduced into your dwelling daily, 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.
In this blog, we will be answering the question ‘Is metal ducting better than flex ductwork?’
Metal ducting holds many benefits and may very well be ideal for you, but it is all subjective to where the ducts will be used. Whereas flex ducting may provide benefits to others.
This is all considering certain questions such as will the ducting be in a house? A business? An industrial property? These factors make all the difference.
I-Sells is here to provide the answers you need whilst also supplying you with all the information you need to combat mould and have a well-ventilated home.
What is the point of ducting?
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.
Metal ducting
![Metal ducting](https://www.i-sells.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/shutterstock_185525297.jpg)
Metal ducting is 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.
Where can I buy metal ducting?
Alongside being a provider of mould solutions such as extractor fans and PIV systems, I-Sells also provide ducting for those looking to buy and install their ducting themselves.
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.
If you have any questions about our ducting or if it would be appropriate for your project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us so we can direct you in the best possible way for all of your ducting needs.
Flex ductwork
Flexible ducting can be made from PVC, silicone, rubber, aluminium & PU polyurethane. As a result, this ducting is easier to manipulate and therefore can be used in cabinets, a variety of layouts and other small spaces. (this is also thanks to its accordion-styled design.)
Advantages
- Flexible by nature which by default makes it easier to install & manipulate post-installation if needs be.
- Can be installed in tight or confined spaces.
- Option for transparent ducting to be able to see potential blockages.
- Can be used as a temporary ducting system
Disadvantages
- Due to the flexible nature of this ducting there is a higher likelihood of punctures
- Regular maintenance checks should be carried out to guarantee efficiency.
- Mostly suitable for internal mounting
- Higher chance of noise than rigid ducting
Is Metal ducting better than flexible ductwork?
![Is Metal ducting better than flexible ductwork?](https://www.i-sells.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/shutterstock_616127159.jpg)
Metal ducting certainly has is advantages to flexible ductwork, its general application towards industrial enviroments mean they are resilient to certain chemicals and temperatures.
That being said, flexible ductwork has the advantage of being able to be manipulated into position which in turn will save more space. The environment in which these ducting options will be used highly determine which is better. There is no definitive answer, each has its own pros & cons.
Can metal/flex ductwork grow mould?
The naturally hot and dry climate within a duct naturally makes it difficult for mould to thrive. But if a duct becomes unsealed, or there is a dramatic change in the duct’s environment that causes humidity, mould can grow within it.
To prevent this possibility, you must make sure your ducting is sealed securely and free from any cracks or holes that compromise its efficiency. You must also make sure the area the ducts are installed is free from free-flowing water or leaks.
What happens to a duct if it grows mould?
If ducting has any mould growing within it, it presents a dangerous health hazard as the spores can spread amongst the whole ventilation system and the dwelling it operates in. As a result, you may have to completely replace the venting system/ ductwork depending on the severity.
Here are some steps you can take to prevent mould on your metal or flex ductwork:
- Before installing the ducting, make sure the area doesn’t have any leaks, or is next to anything that can generate a lot of heat, such as a heating pipe.
- Remove any mould in the room that the ducting will be placed in.
- Insulate the ducting
- Track the humidity of the room with a hygrometer.
Regardless of which ducting option you choose, these steps should be implemented as unfortunately, no duct, and no surface is free from the effects of mould. So it is of upmost importance for you to consider mould prevention in your ducts. It should not be ignored.
Purchase ducting today
![What Metal is Used for Ducting?](https://www.i-sells.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/shutterstock_770861659.jpg)
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 ‘Is metal ducting better than flex ductwork?’
We understand you may have more questions, 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
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