The Best Ducting for Fire Resistance

When it comes to fire resistance in ducting, metal ducting is the best for fire resistance. Here’s why:

• Superior Fire Barrier: Metal, typically galvanized steel or stainless steel, offers a significant physical barrier against flames and smoke compared to flexible ductwork materials like plastic or fabric. This can delay fire spread and allow more time for occupants to evacuate in case of a fire.

• Regulation Compliance: Many building codes and fire safety regulations mandate the use of fire-resistant duct materials in specific locations within a building. Metal ducting often complies with these regulations better than flexible alternatives.

• Reduced Fire Risk: Metal itself is not combustible, unlike some flexible duct materials. This eliminates the risk of the ductwork itself contributing to a fire.

While all metal ducting offers some level of fire resistance, galvanized steel is a common and cost-effective option for many applications. However, for the most fire-resistant solution, stainless steel is the preferred choice, especially in areas with extremely high fire risks:

• High-Heat Environments: Stainless steel can withstand higher temperatures than galvanized steel before succumbing to fire damage. This makes it ideal for exhaust ducts carrying hot fumes or areas near significant heat sources.

• Corrosive Environments: Stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance compared to galvanized steel. This can be crucial in areas with high humidity or exposure to corrosive chemicals, which could degrade the fire resistance properties of galvanized steel over time.

Additional fire protection for ducting

To further protect your ducting in the case of a fire, you can incorporate the following solutions:

• Fire Dampers: Even with metal ducting, incorporating fire dampers into the ventilation system is essential. These dampers automatically close in case of a fire, preventing flames and smoke from spreading through the ductwork to other parts of the building.

• Duct Sealing: Proper sealing of all duct joints and connections is crucial to maintain the fire resistance of the entire system. Leaks in the ductwork can compromise the fire barrier and allow flames or smoke to bypass the metal.

By using metal ducting, especially stainless steel in high-risk areas, and incorporating fire dampers and proper sealing practices, you can significantly enhance the fire safety of your building’s ventilation system.

Always consult with qualified fire safety professionals and adhere to local building codes to ensure your ductwork meets the necessary fire resistance standards.

Can metal ducting be affected by fire at all?

Although metal ducting has a superior durability against fire and extreme heat, it does not last forever. Continued exposure to excessively high heat can eventually impact the ducting. The likely outcome is that it would be warped.

Is it better to use metal ducting for a house?

In most houses, metal ducting is generally preferred for the main supply runs that distribute conditioned air from the HVAC unit to various rooms. Here are the main rooms you would typically find metal ducting in:

• Living Rooms: As a large and often centrally located space, living rooms typically receive conditioned air from a main supply run made of metal ductwork.

• Bedrooms: Similar to living rooms, bedrooms also benefit from metal supply runs to ensure efficient and leak-proof delivery of conditioned air.
• Dining Rooms: Metal ducting is a common choice for main supply runs in dining rooms as well.

What to do if ducting catches fire

If your ductwork catches fire, the most important action is to ensure everyone’s safety. Evacuate the house immediately. Call out to everyone inside and calmly but quickly exit the building using designated escape routes. Once everyone is safely outside, call your local emergency number and report a fire, mentioning your suspicion of ductwork involvement.

If you can safely exit the building and wait for help from a safe distance, you can try containing the fire. Close all doors and windows to the burning room to limit oxygen supply and potentially slow the fire’s spread. However, never re-enter a burning building.

Wait for firefighters to arrive and provide them with any information you can, such as the location of the HVAC unit, recent ductwork maintenance, or flammable materials stored near the ducts.

By prioritising fire safety measures and taking preventative steps like regular maintenance, you can significantly reduce the risk of duct fires and keep your household safe. Remember, early detection and evacuation are crucial in case of a fire. Always prioritise your safety and leave firefighting to trained professionals.

Invest in fire-resistant ducting today