Whether in a home or industrial environment, ducting plays a critical role in removing and/or delivering air at the right place and temperature. However, with regular use, certain common issues can arise, leading both homeowners and businesses to consider maintaining or repairing their ductwork instead of replacing it.
In this article, we explore why you shouldn’t repair flexible ducting and what the alternative options are. Let’s take a closer look.
Understanding flexible ducting
In simple terms, flexible ducting is a type of ducting that can be bent at different angles quite easily. Instead of using sheet metal as the primary material, flexible ducting consists of flexible materials, including polyurethane and PVC.
In addition to this, they also often come with a steel spiral wire that adds an extra layer of flexibility. It can be used both in homes and in commercial environments where heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have been installed.
Common problems with flexible ducting
There are some challenges associated with flexible ducting. Among these problems include the following:
- Movement: Ductwork is prone to movement due to thermal stress and vibration. For example, winter heating can cause the ductwork to expand, while summer cooling can cause it to contract. A potential result of this is that ductwork seams can be pulled apart, causing leaks. In a worst-case scenario, flexible ductwork that is not properly attached or connected can completely pull apart, disrupting the desired airflows.
- Rust: Flexible ductwork can also encounter rust as a result of condensation that forms on the metal. This is particularly the case in summer when cooling is frequent. The consequence of rust forming is that it can eat holes into metal and can lead to leaks or broken down connections.
- Turbulence in the air flow: The shorter and straighter a particular ductwork runs, the better the air flow. This is because air can slow down from friction due to running into the inside of the duct walls. Flex ducts, which are not stretched out fully, will create ridges where the air can be trapped, causing turbulence in the air flow. This can compromise the velocity of the airflow and cause internal congestion and reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency.
- Other challenges: Apart from the previously mentioned challenges, other issues may arise. Examples include health and safety concerns due to the potential for mould growth, poor air quality issues, respiratory health risks, energy waste and carbon emissions, etc.
Ineffectiveness of DIY repairs
If you are considering repairing your ductwork — whether industrial flexible ducting or in a home environment — and you are tempted to use duct tape or another type of binding material, unfortunately, this is not the right solution. Ultimately, you need to consider the age of the ductwork and its main purpose.
The older it is, the higher the chances it needs to be fully replaced. Meanwhile, whether its purpose is cooling or heating your premises, you need to think about losses in efficiency and the potential for further damage if you do not adequately address the underlying issues.
Overall, when it comes to long-term cost considerations, repairing flexible insulated ducting is a cheap short-term solution that will be ineffective over time and can actually lead to further problems for you and the people on the premises. In addition, if you are considering costs, the cost of repairing flexible ductwork can end up being much higher versus replacing it because of losses in energy efficiency.
Conclusion
Flexible ductwork is often made from a less durable material than the sheet metal used for standard ducting. This can make it easy to replace. If you would like to prioritise safety, efficiency and long-term cost-savings, we encourage you to choose to replace your flexible PVC ducting rather than repairing it.
If you have any questions or concerns about aluminium flexible ducting or heavy-duty flexible ducting, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. The experts at Ducting Express are ready to help you explore different options and the right solution for your unique needs.