The ductwork system in your home or business is essential to the effective operation of your entire
heating and cooling system. Air ducts carry and remove air to help meet heating and cooling loads from
room to room. They are the main transport of ventilated air, making them crucial to proper indoor air
quality and comfortable room temperatures. Because fabricated metals support the ductwork,
process of building quality metal structures is relevant to how well your air ducts do their job.

What to Look For

A layperson may not know what to look for or expect when they need new, replacement, or repaired
ductwork. Two potential risks that must be considered are large amounts of heated air and excessive
dust escaping into the indoor air.

Ductwork is responsible for conducting these, so fabrication and installation should reflect the quality of the industry. When ducts are not properly installed, they can
pollute indoor air with mold, dust, and other contaminants. They can also cost you money on heating and cooling in the long run. Here are a few tips on how to find the right fabrication and ductwork manufacturer for your situation.

  • Structural and Functional Dependability: Research more than one fabricator to ensure that
    they are following industry standards to ensure that the structures they build for your system
    are operationally sound. If you’re perusing websites, look for those companies that place
    importance on adherence to fabrication industry standards.
  • System Configuration: Ask how the fabricator will organize your ductwork system, and work
    with them to decide on the best configuration for your space.
  • Supports – It’s okay to question the fabricator about what the best support system is for your
    ductwork might be. You want to ensure that supports will hold up under excessive heat and
    dust. Some types to consider are fixed, link, guide, rod, and sliding supports, depending on your
    specific situation.

Putting it All Together

Now that you know a little bit about how fabrication relates to the proper operation of your ductwork
system, avoiding any future disasters with controlling the air quality in your home or business should be
easier. Remember to look for quality workmanship in which the fabricator ensures precision
measurements, consistent dimensions, corrosion-resistant ducts, and structural integrity that won’t be
compromised by the heat and weather conditions specific to your home or business.

The process of turning flat sheets of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, zinc, copper, and other alloys into
metal structures is only where fabrication begins. Having ductwork that is reliable and structurally sound
enough to ensure the safety of your family and/or customers is where it ends. Contact a fabrication
experts at Dale Heating Cooling and Sheetmetal in Santa Rosa to ensure you’re getting the best possible system at the
right price.