Flex Ductwork:
Consists of an inner core made from mylar plastic reinforced with a continuous spiral steel wire.
The flexibility allows the duct to bend while maintaining its diameter.
Insulated with fibrous material and covered with an outer reflective foil layer that acts as a radiant barrier.
R-Value: Indicates insulation effectiveness; higher R-values offer better energy efficiency and lower energy bills.
Calculation: R-value is calculated by dividing the insulation thickness by its thermal conductivity.
For unconditioned spaces, higher R-values are required to maintain insulation efficiency.
Tools for Flex Duct Installation:
Duct Knife: Used to cut through the insulation and reach the reinforcing wire.
Wire Cutters: Cut the steel reinforcement wire.
All-in-One Tools: Can serve both functions, resembling heavy scissors with built-in wire cutters.
Installation: Flex duct is attached to a flex collar or takeoff, secured using zip ties with a tensioning tool or duct tape and screws.
Both the inner wall and outer layer of insulation must be properly secured and sealed.
Ductboard:
Rigid fiberglass duct board serves as an alternative to insulated metal ducts.
It has a lower fire rating than metal ducts but offers sound reduction and minimal air leakage.
Lightweight and easy to fabricate on-site without heavy equipment, allowing installation by a single person.
Requires only a few specialized tools to fabricate different sizes of ductboard.
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