Is Rigid Ducting Better Than Flexible?

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, you may be wondering ‘Is rigid ducting better than flexible?’

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.

All of the solutions we offer are in an effort to disrupt the environment neccassary for mould to formulate, as mould can have serious health implications as well as spread easily if left unattanded.

The purpose of ducting?

Plastic ducting is used in order to create an isolated airflow for extracted air to travel through, the airflow is facilitated by the use of an extractor fan or PIV systems.

These systems aid in creating a home or space with fresh air and helps to regulate the temperature in order to prevent the cultivation of mould and dampness.

Mould, otherwise known as damp, is a fungus that grows on wet surfaces. 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.

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.

Ducting types – Round & Flat

Is Rigid Ducting Better Than Flexible

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

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

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.

Is rigid ducting better than flexible?

Is Rigid Ducting Better Than Flexible

Realistically, it is not about if rigid ducting is better than flexible, as it depends on your needs & area of installation. Once you know this, it will be easier to assess which option works in accordance to what you have. So let us explain a little bit about each option.

Rigid Ducting

Generally made from metal, galvanized carbon steel or stainless steel, (as well as PVC plastic & polypropylene) this option is suitable for permanent ventilation as well as air-conditioning systems/heating, furthermore it can be applied to large scale exhaust/dust extraction.

Advantages

• As the name suggests, rigid ducting is structurally secure & durable, meaning they are built to last & as a result can be used as part of building infrastructure.
• Little maintenance required beyond inspections to take place every few months or annually.
• Suitable for all applications, extraction, exhaust fumes, cold & hot air transfer.
• Weather resistant, you can use them for external mounting.
• Less airflow resistance = increased efficiency.

Possible disadvantages

• The installation process must be thoroughly planned out & can lead to be quite complex, therefore a qualified professional is the best option to avoid any mishaps during this process.
• Consideration must be given to mounting infrastructure due to the weight of metal rigid ductwork (depending on the length & size you opt for)
• The metal itself, along with labour & time taken to plan & install may make this option slightly more expensive.

Flexible ducting

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

Aiding your ducting’s efficiency

Is Rigid Ducting Better Than Flexible

If you want the best possible prevention from the dangers of mould, ventilation systems along with having a regular ventilating routine is the most secure option you take. Proper ventilation is as simple as:

• Opening a window and using an extractor fan during or after a hot bath/shower
• Creating an airflow by opening windows on different sides of the home for around 20 minutes a day
• Buying or making use of extractor fans within the home
• Opening a window or using an extractor in the kitchen whilst cooking hot meals
• (if living in a house) opening windows downstairs and upstairs, allowing the rising hot air to escape through upstairs windows, while cool, fresh air circulates in from the downstairs windows.

Track your humidity levels

Consider buying a Hygrometer. This device measures the levels of humidity in the air, which can indicate to you which rooms are creating the perfect environment for mould. This is a valuable maintenance and detection device that we offer.

Deal with it

If you find mould on any surfaces, clean it immediately with our anti-mould surface cleaner.

If mould reappears at a certain spot in your home, check to see if there is any leak or damage to the area that can be letting moisture in. If so, contact your landlord or trusted tradesman to fix the issue.

Browse our mould control options for the best possible solutions to dealing with mould.

Please note that these steps will not completely defend against mould if there are leakage issues in your home, but will certainly help to mitigate the growth of mould if done on a regular basis.

I-Sells – Contact us

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 rigid ducting better than flexible?’

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

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Sunday: Closed

15 St John’s Parade

Sidcup, Kent

DA14 6ES

United Kingdom