Winding throughout your home’s structure is ductwork. While you can’t see it, this system provides your living space with fresh air and works to filter out dangerous particles floating in it. Rigid ductwork is often used because of its durability. This article will explore more behind what it is and three different types of it.

What is Rigid Ductwork?

Rigid ductwork is made up of various materials that are then filled with insulation. Unlike flexible ductwork, rigid ductwork doesn’t make loud noises when air passes through it. However, because it uses more high-quality pieces, rigid ductwork tends to be a bit more expensive to install and operate.

3 Types of Rigid Ductwork

  1. Sheet Metal: As the most commonly used rigid ductwork, sheet metal is constructed out of galvanized steel or aluminum. Sheet metal ductwork is very lightweight and is mold resistant. While durable, it can leak in the areas where you attach different pieces to it.
  2. Fiberglass: Fiberglass ductwork features a middle shell of sheet metal that is lined by fiberglass pieces on both its exterior and interior. This design helps to ensure that the ductwork keeps a consistent temperature and doesn’t make loud noises when running. Unlike the other two types, fiberglass ductwork can be difficult to clean because of its intricate construction. Because of this, it’s more likely to trap mold and spread allergens in the air.
  3. Fiberboard: Fiberboard ductwork uses compressed fiberglass fibers to help seal air inside. The exterior of this ductwork is usually coated in foil to keep moisture away. This is one of the most affordable rigid ductwork options, but because it features fiberglass, can run into some mildew issues. Because of its tough fibers, it could also cause friction in the air system, something which could affect how well your HVAC system works.

Maintaining Rigid Ductwork

To help prevent excessive mold growth and to ensure that the system is functioning correctly, it’s important to keep the rigid ductwork maintained. It’s recommended that you have it cleaned by a professional every five years. Experts will be able to enter the ductwork with the help of tools, like vacuums, hoses, and fans, to suck out debris and clean off any mildew that might be growing in it.

Rigid ductwork is an important component of any living space because it helps to encourage good air quality. If you need your ductwork inspected or want to have a new system installed, in Santa Rosa, consider contacting Dale HCS. Our company offers fabrication services that can create a high-quality ventilation system for your home.