Multiple facilities across the United Kingdom (UK) have heating, cooling, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) as well as extraction systems linked to their extractor fans or machinery. However, without the right type of ducting, the noise levels emitted by these systems can be overwhelming and this can create a challenging living or working environment.
In such cases, acoustic ducting is often used as a solution to prevent excessive noise levels. Acting as a means of noise control with near soundproofing across various industries and applications, installing the right acoustic duct can be the right decision for your home or work environment.
In this article, we explore what acoustic ducting is and provide you with details so that you can make an informed decision that fits your needs.
What is acoustic ducting?
Acoustic ducting is ducting that can be used to dampen noise, particularly the noise of fans within ducting systems. It normally comes in the form of acoustic flexible duct — an inner layer and an outer layer of flexible ducting separated by a layer of fibreglass, which provides insulation and sound-deadening.
As air passes down standard flexible ducting, the sound of the fan and the flowing air vibrates the ducting producing noise. If the noise from standard flexible ducting is causing a problem, using acoustic ducting will help reduce it.
What is an acoustical flex duct?
As the name suggests, acoustical flex ducts are flexible ducting pipes. Their main purpose is to ensure more even and efficient heating and cooling within homes and other environments.
Acoustic ducting vs silencer
Choosing between an acoustic duct or a silencer or sound attenuator can be confusing for some. However, the acoustic duct is often seen as a more cost-effective & flexible alternative to silencers.
Comparing acoustic ducting and standard ducting
Acoustic flexible ducting and standard ducting are made from different materials. Acoustic ducting is made from aluminium, fibreglass and spiral steel wire. Meanwhile, standard ducting is manufactured using sheet metal. In addition to the materials differences, acoustic ducting has two layers of flexible ducting, which is separated by a layer of insulating fibreglass. This gives it its noise reduction qualities, while regular ducting does not offer these.
Environments that use acoustic ducting
The main reasons both individuals and businesses use soundproof ducting is to reduce the noise levels created by their extraction systems. In particular, acoustic ducting can be used across a wide range of industries and environments, which include:
- Agriculture and growing: It is often used in indoor growing environments where there are extractor fans.
- Offices and commercial buildings: It can be used to dampen sound coming from the building’s machinery and ventilation systems.
- Residential buildings: Where there are people and ventilation systems, acoustic ducting can ensure a more pleasant environment.
Apart from creating a more pleasant living and working environment, there are also regulations in the UK regarding maximum decibel levels in a wide range of sectors. To adhere to these regulations, many businesses, homeowners, maintenance managers and others opt for sound proof ducting to ensure compliance.
Benefits of acoustic ducting
Apart from noise reduction, there are other important benefits of installing acoustic ducting in different environments. The main ones include:
- Improved indoor air quality
- Can act as a vapour barrier
- Can offer thermal insulation
- Compliance with regulations
Installation: How to fit acoustic ducting
In order to install your acoustic ducting, you need to identify the location of your extractor fan or filter. Next, the acoustic aluminium ducting is fitted directly over the flange of the fan or filter.
A duct clip is used to hold it in place tightly. Alternatively, you can use aluminium duct tape to hold it in place.
After a connection has been established, the acoustic ducting can then be run to the air outlet or inlet.
Conclusion
The importance of acoustic ducting for noise control and compliance in the UK cannot be overemphasised. Whether you are a facilities manager who runs office or agricultural properties or a building caretaker, you should consider implementing acoustic ducting solutions in your projects or at your facilities.
If you need any assistance in choosing the right acoustic ducting solution for your needs — whether in terms of size, length, quantities, cost, etc. — let the experts at Ducting Express be your handy guide.
We offer a range of acoustic ducting solutions that are ideal for numerous business and residential environments and our friendly team is at your service, ready to help. Get in touch with us today!