Throughout most homes and commercial properties in and around Sonom County you’ll find ductwork hidden behind walls and ceilings. While it might be out of sight, it has a crucial job – to provide you with fresh air. But, constructing ductwork isn’t as easy as it might look. Below you’ll discover more about what this system is composed of and how it’s cut and put together.
What is Ductwork Made Of?
In most cases, ductwork is fabricated out of galvanized steel. This material tends to be the most durable and is extremely flexible allowing technicians to effortlessly mold it in different angles and shapes.
Another frequently used material is fiberglass. This option is somewhat lightweight and can help stop the growth of mold. But, unlike galvanized steel, fiberglass can be easily damaged.
How Ductwork is Cut
Because ductwork is somewhat thin, it can usually be cut with a utility knife. But, it will need to be carefully sliced in the same spot so it’s evenly cut. Sometimes, tin snips will be necessary. These resemble scissors but have extremely sharp blades. This allows you to keep a firm grip when trying to cut the ductwork.
Besides these tools, a rotary gear could be utilized. A rotating head can be attached to the top which you can then slowly press into the ductwork’s sides. A perk about using it is that you can control its speed. This way, you can go faster or slower depending on the situation.
How Ductwork is Connected
After the ductwork is cut, its pieces can be fused with the help of hose clamps and duct sleeves. You’ll notice that the edges where the ductwork was cut might be slightly bumpy. If this isn’t straightened, it could provide spaces for air to sneak out of. This is why the hose clamps and duct sleeves need to be carefully placed around its border.
In some cases, a duct crimper might also be necessary. This will create parallel crimps around its edges so the two pieces can be tightly fastened. However, this process might slightly vary if the ductwork is rectangular. For this, extra crimps might be needed as well as screws.
Ductwork might seem like it would be easy to assemble, but it requires time and patience, especially if it needs to be cut. If your home’s ductwork needs to be repaired or replaced, contact Dale HCS in Santa Rosa, CA. We’ll be happy to answer any concerns or questions you might have about it.