Plastic air ducts: installation features and dimensions, round and rectangular products

Many types of repair work can be carried out on your own. And connecting the hood to the ventilation system is one of these cases. Agree that even an inexperienced home craftsman can handle this important stage.

Especially when aluminum corrugated hood is used as an air duct. This type of building material does not require many years of experience and special knowledge during installation.

But you don’t know where to start and how to choose the right corrugated pipe? We will help you decide on the type of material and cope with this type of installation work - the article discusses the types of corrugation, its features and scope of application.

The subtleties of choosing a corrugated air duct for connecting an exhaust hood are covered and step-by-step installation instructions are provided. The material is supplemented with visual photos of individual stages of corrugation installation and video recommendations from specialists.

Air ducts made of plastic: what materials are they made of?

• PVC (polyvinyl chloride). It has a wide operating temperature range from -30°C to +70°C. PVC air ducts can be installed in unheated rooms.
• PVDF (fluoroplastic). acid-resistant material with a wide temperature range - from -40°C to +140°C.
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  An example of ventilation from plastic ventilation pipes in a bathroom

• PP (polypropylene). It is characterized by increased resistance to chemical influences (tolerates acids, alkalis, organic matter).
• HDPE (low density polyethylene). This material is characterized by increased flexibility, it is more difficult to damage mechanically, but does not tolerate low temperatures.

When choosing plastic air ducts, you should focus on the characteristics of the plastic. For example, it is better to use polypropylene air ducts to connect a kitchen hood. If the exhaust air temperature is high, PVC or PVDF ducts are suitable. Polyethylene boxes are quite suitable for distributing ventilation throughout residential and other technical premises.

Getting rid of noise

There may be a couple of possible circumstances for the noise:

• unsuccessful modification of the box,
• use of fans,
• If a corrugated pipeline is used, then it was not possible to stretch it very much at the installation stage; as a result, its surface resembles a washboard and the air space makes a lot of noise when in contact with it.

In any of the above cases, sound insulation of the ventilation duct will be useful.

In addition to this, there are a couple of ways to combat noise:

cover the box with a layer of sound insulation. This material may be self-adhesive; under such conditions, it is enough to cover the entire surface of the box,

Note! There is an option to attach sound insulation to the inner surface of the box, but in this case there is a strong possibility of the material becoming damp and fungus developing on it

• If the main source of noise is the fan, then it is possible to reinstall it using anti-vibration flexible inserts. Or a less noisy one, in addition, a special installation can be installed behind the fan itself to counteract noise,
• a plate muffler can be used,

It is possible to replace solid air ducts with flexible ones, the friction of air against their walls will be significantly reduced, and accordingly, the noise nuisance will fall through the ground.

Types of plastic air ducts

All plastic air ducts used to create ventilation ducts can be divided into several types, depending on the following parameters:

• material of manufacture;
• type of section;
• degree of hardness;
• the method of connecting elements to each other.

Various polymer compounds suitable for these purposes are used as the main material for plastic air ducts:

• polyvinyl chloride (PVC);
• fluoroplastic;
• polypropylene;
• low-pressure polyethylene;
• vinyl plastic;
• metal-plastic.

Polyvinyl chloride is widely used today for the manufacture of various pipelines. Its main properties are high strength and resistance to corrosion. The operating temperature ranges from -50 to +90°C. Within these limits, PVC does not deform and does not lose its performance properties.

Fluoroplastic relatively recently began to be used for the manufacture of pipes, and, in particular, ventilation ducts. The main advantage of this material is its resistance to aggressive influences of chemically active environments. PTFE air ducts can be successfully used in enterprises with a possible concentration of vapors of various chemicals in the air - oil refining, pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

Another advantage of fluoroplastic is the highest slip coefficient among polymers. As a result, air passes through such pipes with virtually no turbulent turbulence, which makes fluoroplastic air ducts record holders in terms of efficiency. The operating temperature of fluoroplastic air ducts is from -100 to +250°C.

The main advantage of air ducts made of polypropylene is their budget cost. They can briefly withstand an increase in the temperature of transported air up to 110°C without deforming or losing their characteristics. But upon reaching a temperature of 140°C, polypropylene begins to melt. Another disadvantage of this material is its high flammability. Therefore, it is prohibited to use air ducts made of polypropylene for ventilation of rooms where there are sources of open fire - for example, for kitchens with gas hobs.

Metal-plastic air ducts are a complex structure consisting of two layers - internal and external - thin sheet metal or galvanized steel, the gap between which is filled with foamed polymers. The metal shell performs a protective function, protecting ventilation ducts from mechanical damage and eliminating the risk of fire during short-term exposure to open fire.

Attention! The use of ventilation ducts made of plastic is permissible only in those rooms where there is no immediate threat of fire. Installation of plastic air ducts must be carried out in strict accordance with the requirements of SNiPs and GOSTs.

Features of thermal insulation

The technology for protecting ventilation pipes from cooling depends on the type of insulation and its performance properties. In this case, it is necessary to follow the sequence of work and carefully perform all operations.

Insulation with mineral wool

It happens as follows:

1. the surface of the ventilation pipes is cleaned of dirt and dust;
2. a strip of the required size is cut from the roll, which depends on the diameter of the air duct;
3. thermal insulation of ventilation pipes made of mineral wool is carried out in one layer, while you need to ensure that the material adheres tightly to the surface;
4. The air duct is wrapped with foil insulation over the mineral wool;
5. glue the resulting seams with aluminum tape.
6. The pipe is wrapped in one layer of mineral wool insulation.
7. On top of a layer of cotton wool, wrap the pipe with foil insulation (4 mm thick), which will help retain heat and prevent cold air currents from entering.

Particular attention should be paid to sealing the structure, since mineral wool, when interacting with moisture, deteriorates its thermal insulation properties

Polyethylene foam insulation

This method is one of the most popular because it combines ease of implementation and efficiency. For insulation, foamed polyethylene is used in the form of shells, with which the following actions are carried out:

1. measure the insulation of the required size;
2. cut the shell along a special seam;
3. install the resulting elements around the pipe;
4. glue seams and joints using glue or mounting adhesive tape.

For pipes with a square cross-section, it is much more convenient to use polyethylene in rolls.

Polyethylene foam shells

Expanded polystyrene insulation

In this case, the insulation resembles a shell, and the insulation of ventilation pipes is carried out as follows:

1. measure out the shell halves of the required size;
2. cut polystyrene foam along the marked lines;
3. The shell halves are placed on the pipe, shifting them by 20-30 cm.
4. close the side connections, ensuring tightness.

Protective shells made of polyurethane foam with foil outer layer

Polypropylene and polyurethane foam insulation are a similar form but have lower thermal conductivity and fire resistance. Fixation of individual parts is carried out using special bandages. Polyurethane foam can also be sprayed onto the pipe surface.

Air duct protection has a significant impact on its service life. By correctly selecting the material for insulating the ventilation pipe, and following the technology for carrying out thermal insulation work, you can ensure the effective functioning of the system for a long time without damage or repair.

Dimensions and section shape

Plastic air ducts differ in the size of their sections and their shape. The choice of cross-section diameter depends on the internal volumes of the ventilated premises and the number of people inside. Accordingly, the larger the diameter of the ventilation duct, the greater the volume of air it can remove per unit of time.

According to the provisions of SNiP, air exchange rates in residential apartments must be at least 30 cubic meters. m per person per hour. With natural ventilation, a pipe with a diameter of 15 cm can remove such an amount of air in an hour.

The domestic building materials market offers plastic ventilation ducts with a diameter of 10 to 20 cm. For rectangular ventilation ducts, the most common sizes are from 10 x 5.5 cm to 20.4 x 6 cm. In some cases, plastic air ducts can be manufactured pipes and larger diameters.

For example, for the installation of ventilation systems in large shopping and entertainment centers, educational and administrative buildings.

According to the type of cross-section, polymer air ducts are either round or rectangular. According to experts, there is no fundamental difference between them. Although, it is believed that air is removed faster through round ventilation ducts, since, unlike rectangular ones, fewer turbulent turbulences are formed in bends.

In terms of cost, these two options for air ducts also do not differ much. Occasionally you can find plastic air ducts made in the shape of an ellipse.

Where is it used?

Installation of plastic ventilation pipes is possible in any domestic space, but places with high humidity levels and unpleasant odors especially need to be updated. For example, in a bathhouse, ventilation will prevent rapid wear of materials that lose their resistance under the influence of moisture and high temperatures, and will prevent an increase in the level of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. In the garage, the installation task is to remove car exhaust and fumes, dry the body, and blow out the inspection hole. In a chicken coop or other livestock area, the system ensures the elimination of harmful ammonia fumes.

Ventilation solves the same problems in a private house. There are many bacteria and viruses in the air, the number of which increases after illnesses suffered by the inhabitants of the house. Ventilating windows will not control invisible pests. This issue will be resolved only by arranging a system of air outflow and inflow channels.

Overview and characteristics

Plastic ventilation ducts are made from different types of plastics and vary in rigidity, profile shape and size.

They are easily assembled into a single structure due to a wide range of connecting elements and fittings.

What are plastic air ducts made of?

Parts of ventilation systems made of plastic are formed under the influence of high pressure; they do not have seams. Different groups of polymers are used as raw materials:

• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC pipes are absolutely safe for human health, resistant to ultraviolet radiation, resistant to alkalis, mineral oils, many types of acids and alkalis, and do not ignite when exposed to open fire. The operating temperature range is from -15ºС to +66ºС.
• Fluoroplastic (PVDF). Retains strength and elasticity at temperatures ranging from -70ºС to + 140ºС. PTFE products are heat-resistant, resistant to aggressive acids and alkalis, resistant to moisture, and can be easily processed by cutting, drilling, and milling.
• Polypropylene (PP). Boxes for ventilation made of polypropylene are resistant to high temperatures (melting temperature is 175ºC), steam - and gas-tight, wear-resistant, have high impact strength, and resistance to repeated bending.
• Low-density polyethylene (HDPE). Air ducts are not subject to rotting, rusting, do not crack from exposure to low temperatures, are hydrophobic, elastic, and can be used for the manufacture of ventilation systems even in buildings with complex configurations.

When choosing plastic air ducts for arranging ventilation systems, you should focus not only on the cost, but also on the technical characteristics of the plastic. For example, polypropylene products are suitable for constructing a hood over a kitchen stove.

When the temperature of the exhaust air (chimneys) is high, it is better to use PVC or PVDF pipes.

Ventilation ducts in residential and technical rooms can be installed from HDPE.

Advantages and disadvantages

Plastic air ducts have a fairly extensive list of advantages:

• environmental safety;
• mechanical strength;
• plasticity;
• resistance to chemically active and organic substances;
• resistance to temperature changes;
• low specific gravity;
• moisture resistance;
• not subject to corrosion;
• easy to install and maintain;
• a large assortment of standard sizes, shaped elements and fittings, allowing you to assemble a system of any configuration;
• wide color palette;
• at an affordable price.

One of the main advantages of plastic ventilation boxes is their ability to fit well into the interior of any room without cluttering up the space.

Plastic products, after installation, do not require additional finishing. Air ducts with an aesthetic appearance and smoothed shapes look good in residential buildings and administrative premises.

Rigid air ducts made of plastic also have a smooth internal and external surface, which does not create obstacles to the passage of air flow through them.

A coating of fat, which, one way or another, forms on the inner walls of the box, is easily washed off with a warm soap solution.

Their main disadvantages are:

• low fire resistance. Only metal boxes are not subject to fire. Although not all plastic (for example, fluoroplastic) can burn and spread fire, the cost of fluoroplastic products is quite high. Therefore, the installation of air ducts made of other types of plastic is allowed only in low-rise buildings.
• The ability to accumulate a static charge, leading to the adhesion of fine dust, which can ignite. Especially a lot of it collects on corrugated pipes, so such air ducts are equipped with filters that prevent dust from entering, and are also treated with a special mixture. It forms a thin film on the surface, which reduces the accumulation of static charge.

Where is it used?

Plastic ventilation ducts are used for the device:

1. natural ventilation. The ventilation duct shaft is installed in the load-bearing internal walls of the kitchen with an outlet through the roof. Supply valves are installed in window blocks of living rooms. Ventilation of the room is carried out due to the intake of fresh air from the window valves, which moves towards the low pressure zone (into the kitchen), simultaneously ventilating the corridor;
2. a supply system that supplies air to the room, with the possibility of heating in the winter season. With this type of ventilation, a channel is created in the kitchen wall or assembled in the form of a wall structure, and a silent supply fan cuts into the outer wall of the room;
3. an exhaust system that removes exhaust air from the room, as well as natural gas combustion products from gas appliances.

How to hide the corrugation from the hood in the kitchen: secrets of disguise

Quite often, the stylish and harmonious look in a new kitchen is spoiled by the pipes under the ceiling with a noticeable and peculiar shine, so the final process in installing corrugated pipes is their camouflage. This process has no functional basis, but is considered an important condition for the aesthetic design of the kitchen.

Inventive builders and furniture manufacturers (if the set is made to order) can offer several profitable options that allow you to hide unpresentable pipes. The most popular of them:

• using a special plastic box;
• construction of a plasterboard structure;
• masking pipes with a suspended or suspended ceiling;
• embedding hoods and pipes into kitchen cabinets;
• covering pipes with paint or other decorative elements.

In order not to spoil the interior of the kitchen, it is better to hide the corrugated pipe

A creative solution could be to design a kitchen in a loft style, when the corrugation is not hidden, but, on the contrary, attention is focused on it. Experienced modern designers will tell you how to properly use a shiny corrugated pipe in the interior so that it does not spoil the appearance of the kitchen, but, on the contrary, becomes its decoration and highlight. Fans of classic styles are better off choosing one of the camouflage methods. Let's look at how to implement each of them below.

We disguise the corrugated pipe for exhaust hood in the box

One of the most popular options for masking corrugation is a special plastic box. It is sold in construction stores. Manufacturers offer a wide selection of models, designs and colors, which allows you to fit it into any interior. Sometimes such designs are decorated with original lighting, creating additional comfort. This option is most often used when the ventilation shaft is located close to each other and in the absence of right angles.

You can hide the air duct under a structure made of plasterboard sheets, which is designed to perform not only a masking, but also a decorative function. Placing a figured and original composition under the ceiling will give the interior a special elegance and the room additional coziness. At the same time, the plasterboard box should not stand out particularly in the interior, so as not to create the impression of a cluttered space. The design is decorated using the same materials that are used for the entire kitchen.

Masking a pipe using a box is one of the simplest and most affordable ways

Masking with plasterboard sheets is carried out in several stages. First, a sheathing is created according to the dimensions of the pipe; for this you can use ordinary metal profiles. Next, the frame is sheathed with plasterboard sheets and attached to the wall on one side and to the ceiling on the other. The box can have a variety of dimensions and looks good as an addition to a suspended ceiling consisting of several levels, which is also mounted from plasterboard.

Helpful advice! When creating a camouflage structure, you should remember about problems that are possible during the operation of the air duct. In order to eliminate them, you will have to dismantle the box behind which the pipes are hidden.

How to hide a ventilation corrugation under the ceiling

In addition to the plasterboard ceiling structure, you can simply hide the exhaust pipe above the suspended ceiling. But in this case, it will drop to a distance equal to the diameter of the corrugation, which is at least 120 mm, plus the thickness of the material itself and gaps of several millimeters. In the same way, camouflage under a suspended ceiling occurs. If, in the case of a suspended system, space is stolen, then the glossy surface of the tension structure will visually increase it due to its reflective properties.

The ventilation pipe can be placed above the suspended ceiling

Thanks to this advantage, the ceiling option is considered the most successful. The main nuance is the impossibility of partially dismantling the ceiling in the event of a breakdown in the system. Then you will need to change the entire structure, and this will entail considerable financial costs. The stretch ceiling will simply have to be reinstalled.

The most economical option for masking an exhaust pipe is ordinary painting. It is enough to choose a color that is in harmony with the overall interior. It is important to choose not very bright and catchy shades so as not to attract unnecessary attention to the pipe. Another budget option is to seal the pipe with leftover materials from the decor. However, such a design will look less aesthetically pleasing.

Corrugation for the hood, disguised in a wall cabinet

A modern option for masking air ducts is the use of wall kitchen cabinets. This is the most acceptable method for concealing built-in hoods. You can lay a pipe in the space between the wall cabinets and the ceiling, decorating the distance with an oversized door or a wide strip of appropriate material.

So that the hood and pipe are not visible at all, they are placed in wall cabinets

However, most often the hood along with the pipe is hidden directly in the cabinet. At the same time, there is still enough space in the middle of the hanging furniture to place kitchen items and utensils. In this case, it would be more appropriate to manufacture furniture to order, where masking of the pipe is provided for by the design of the set. The module is designed in such a way that it is possible to trim the side and rear walls to the required dimensions, and the main masking element will be the cabinet facades. As a result, the set fits harmoniously into the interior and looks organic. Replacing and dismantling pipes in this design is quite easy.

A hanging cabinet located directly above the hob is often used for mounting (inside) circulation hoods. In this case, only the housing of the ventilation equipment will need to be hidden; only the control panel will remain outside. The absence of a pipe allows for the use of space in the cabinet for storing kitchen utensils.

Helpful advice! As a rule, a round-shaped corrugation is used for the hood. Rectangular air ducts are used in production or warehouses.

Section of plastic air ducts and their dimensions

Plastic boxes for ventilation are made:

• Round section.
• Rectangular section (rectangles and squares).

Each type is hard and flexible. Rigid boxes are cast in special molds. Their main characteristic (except for geometric dimensions) is wall thickness. In order for the plastic air duct to keep its shape, the wall thickness must be 3 mm. Thinner ones bend, thick-walled ones have more weight and a much higher price.

The second type is flexible plastic air ducts. Made in the form of corrugation. The wire frame is wrapped in a layer of plastic so that the wire itself is sealed in plastic. Such air ducts are easier to install, since they can be bent at any angle.

Semi-rigid corrugated air ducts

The length of one piece of corrugated plastic pipe for pipe ventilation is up to 2.5 meters, so short routes can be made exclusively from one single piece. Installation is very simple: fastened at both ends, laid out along the route, secured in several places. It is advisable to stretch the corrugation as much as possible to reduce wall unevenness and air flow resistance.

But even in a well-stretched corrugation, due to uneven walls, air movement is difficult. Therefore, under equal conditions, corrugated air ducts are installed in larger sizes. In addition, dirt, grease, and dust accumulate faster on an uneven surface. The walls are very thin and have very little mechanical strength. Semi-rigid options are more reliable (as in the photo above). They bend worse, but have higher reliability.

Cross-section of round plastic air ducts

The most common round plastic air ducts are:

• 100 mm;
• 125 mm;
• 150 mm;
• 200 mm.

  Both round and rectangular plastic ducts can be produced in larger sizes

But there are also much larger sizes - up to 2.4 meters in diameter - for industrial premises. Round ventilation pipes are sold in sections of 500 mm, 1000 mm, 1500 mm, 2000 mm, 2500 mm.

Section of rectangular ventilation pipes

Rectangular plastic air ducts for domestic use come in the following sizes:

• height - 55 mm, 60 mm;
• width - 110 mm, 122 mm, 204 mm;
• length - 350 mm, 500 mm, 1000 mm, 1500 mm, 2000 mm and 2500 mm;
• wall thickness - 2-8 mm.

  Example of dimensions of plastic rectangular pipes for ventilation

The larger the cross-section of the plastic pipe for ventilation, the thicker its walls are. This is necessary to ensure that the products do not change geometric dimensions. To save on shorter walls (in picture a), the thickness can be smaller (2-3 mm, for example), and the wider part (indicated b in the photo) is made thicker - 3-4 mm.

Which is better: round or rectangular duct?

What shape of air ducts is better? Round or square? If we take into account throughput, then round ones are better. In them, vortex flows encounter less resistance, and the movement of air masses is faster. In rectangular corners, the corners remain practically unused. Therefore, rectangular ones are installed with a larger cross-sectional area than round ones.

In this option, even the ventilation duct laid “along the top” is almost invisible

Despite the worse characteristics, rectangular plastic pipes are more often used for ventilation. It’s easier to hide them by placing them low above wall cabinets, for example. Also, when installing a suspended or suspended ceiling, they require a smaller height, since there are flat and wide models. Even if there is no false ceiling and there is nowhere to hide the ventilation duct, a rectangular box at the junction of the wall and ceiling looks better than a round one.

Which plastic is better?

Objectively, no one will answer the question which pipe is better and which is worse. Absolute truth does not exist. There is only experience that makes it clear which pipes are doing better during installation, how long the installed ventilation will last, and what the expected return on investment of time, energy and money will be.

Polyethylene pipes

The structures are mainly used in houses with seasonal residence in dachas and country buildings. Polyethylene with a protective layer is used indoors and outdoors. It is easy to make connecting holes.

Unlike PVC, the material is more resistant to air changes: high and low temperatures. Calmly tolerates “plus” temperatures: +80ºС / +85ºС and “minus”: -45ºС/ -50ºС. Polyethylene pipes for ventilation can be used without negative consequences in the range of -45 ºС/ +75 ºС.

Available with ultraviolet and antistatic coating. They contain black soot and are different in color from other plastic products.

Polypropylene pipes

In Russia, products began to be produced during one of the crisis periods. Polypropylene is an excellent dielectric, non-hygroscopic, and has high resistance to aggressive chemical environments. The tensile strength is approximately 4 times higher than that of polyethylene products.

There are three main criteria why PPR pipes are in demand and belong to consumer equipment:

1. Cheapness,
2. Easy installation;
3. Availability of tools.

To describe it in a nutshell – a good, cheap pipe. Due to the price it is ahead of some manufacturers. Although, according to European standards, polypropylene pipes are a passed stage in construction. According to certain parameters, the material is obsolete and does not belong to fire-resistant types.

• The main disadvantage is that it burns and melts if the temperature exceeds the established standards: +85ºС/ +90 ºС;
• To increase combustion resistance, special non-flammable and antistatic additives are used;
• At subzero temperatures the material becomes brittle, so it is used only in warm rooms.

Not all manufacturers have a well-thought-out system for joining pipes to pipes and attachments to them. Sagging is formed, and additional noise appears during operation. You need to work with polypropylene very carefully. At elevated temperatures, the pipe expands very strongly.

Polypropylene pipes are mainly in demand among novice craftsmen or those who cannot afford more professional materials. Ideal for those on a limited budget.

Manufacturers and sellers are a little vague about the service life of plastic. Good brands have proven themselves for many years, but of all technologies, polypropylene pipes last the least. On average, you should expect a term of 20 years.

Polyvinyl chloride

Lightweight, inexpensive, easy to install, PVC air ducts are the most common material for constructing ventilation structures in the home. Among the owners of small cottages and apartments, polyvinyl chloride equipment is in particular demand, as it is inexpensive, convenient to install, and easy to use.

They are protected from destruction by ultraviolet radiation and have a sufficient operating temperature range (from 0 to +80 degrees). The models produced are durable, sealed, but have some disadvantages, as with most plastic products:

• Over time they crack;
• Do not heat to 160°C;
• They do not tolerate negative temperatures.

Without risk to health, PVC products can be heated up to +120°C. If it is higher, chlorine begins to be released.

PTFE pipes

Fluoroplastic is used as the most durable material, resistant to external forces and the environment. PVDF is mounted on supply and exhaust air mode.

Pipes can withstand:

• Contact with vapors, acid-base solutions;
• Safe exposure temperature is from -40°C to +140°C.

PTFE air ducts are used for the inflow and outflow of aggressive air masses. The material does the job well.

The higher the temperature and pressure, the shorter the service life of plastic pipes.

This is how all types of material that are produced and presented in the global industry work. Polyethylene and polypropylene for installation of household ventilation are not used as often as polyvinyl chloride and fluoroplastic.

Recommendations for choosing an air duct

Experienced specialists give a number of tips to make it easier for owners to choose products for arranging a ventilation system. Some of them:

It is best to buy products in branded stores or specialized retail outlets. In addition to the product, the kit should include instructions for use, as well as a warranty card.

If such documentation is missing, it is better to refuse the purchase. It is necessary to take into account the design of the products so that they fit organically into the interior of the room. The manufacturer is of no small importance. It is advisable to choose high-quality branded models. No need to focus on low prices

Of course, a high-quality and reliable ventilation system will be quite expensive, especially if good materials are used. However, you need to understand that high-quality models will serve for many years without complaints. Products must have sufficient performance. If the ventilation system is weak, the hood will not be able to cope well with its main task, so the exhaust air masses will remain in the room.

In addition, when choosing the components of the ventilation system, you need to take into account the main functions of the kitchen hood. The latter must meet the following characteristics:

• An attractive appearance is important so that the device fits organically into the interior, complementing it.
• Low noise level during operation.
• The ability to quickly and to the required extent remove foreign odors.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with a kitchen hood without a ventilation outlet (25 photos): models without an air duct

Price remains a significant selection criterion for homeowners; aesthetics and performance characteristics of ventilation ducts fade into the background. Flexible corrugation definitely wins here; it is much cheaper than other options, and fittings are not needed.

We will offer our recommendations on how to choose a ventilation duct for your hood:

1. There are two types of channels suitable for external installation: plastic and metal.
   The former are cheaper, but look worse; they are better hidden above cabinets or behind decorative cladding. On the left in the photo is the installation of a ventilation duct behind plasterboard sheathing, on the right is the gasket inside the furniture
2. For hidden installation, you can use any air duct: corrugated, PVC, galvanized. If you don't care about the noise level, use a cheap aluminum hose.
3. In a country house, summer kitchen or veranda with a stove, connect the hood with a corrugated pipe. Plastic in such rooms quickly becomes dirty, and it is quite difficult to remove the yellowness.
4. If an apartment has undergone expensive renovations, you cannot save money and spoil the interior. Match the steel frame, fittings and grille to the color of the hood. Stainless steel is perfect for a nickel-plated surface, and copper for a golden surface.

Exhaust air is removed through a pipe, which may differ in the following characteristics:

• by material;
• diameter or dimensions of the sides of the box;
• section shape;
• flexibility.

Specifications and Dimensions

PVC-based air ducts are made of special ABS plastic. A sag of 4% is acceptable in relation to it. Other positive characteristics include:

• no need for additional thermal insulation of the roof;
• availability of self-regulation;
• low probability of corrosion;
• smooth inner surface, due to which there is no possibility of static resistance when air passes through;
• reduced noise and air losses;
• service life - 20 years or more.

Plastic is not fire resistant, so placing it near the chimney is not recommended. If increased fire protection is required, preference should be given to galvanized products. As for sizes, the following features stand out:

• Most often, buyers purchase round air ducts with a diameter of 1, 1.25, 1.5 cm. In accordance with GOST, their cross-section should be 200 cm.
• The rectangular plastic air duct has standard dimensions of 55 by 110, 60 by 120 and 50 by 204 mm.
• The length of flexible air ducts is 20 m.

The kitchen hood contains elements that are most often made of plastic. Experts strongly recommend installing plastic on exhaust ventilation ducts. There are no restrictions here. But the influx requires products made from a special type of plastic that can withstand thermal effects. This is especially true if there is recovery or heating.

When choosing plastic air ducts, you need to look at the characteristics of a particular room. Sometimes, due to potential problems with the fire service, their use is not recommended. This is true, for example, if the ventilation is made of plastic. You should also be careful with a frame house.

If there is any doubt, it is best to contact your local fire inspector. Also, relevant recommendations can be found in regulatory documents. They indicate that the use of these objects is permissible in public, low-rise residential, administrative and amenity areas. At the same time, they are prohibited in attics, basements and technical floors.

Good reasons to replace the pipe

Corrugation is an inexpensive and very worthy solution to the problem of arranging ventilation at home. If it is installed correctly, there will be no problems with use. The main thing is to follow the recommendations specified by the product manufacturer.

You don’t have to take special care of the corrugated air duct. One unpleasant thing is that it is very inconvenient to get dust out of the walls. Over time, after 8-10 years, a rather thick coating of particles of fat, soot, and dust forms inside the pipe. It will not be possible to clean it. The only way out is to install a new corrugation.

If you compare the service life of 10 years with the cost of a new ventilation duct, then replacement does not seem like a problem at all.

When replacing, you must first dismantle the old pipe and then install a new one

When dismantling, you must perform all the steps as during installation, only in reverse order.

After removing the pipe, you need to thoroughly clean the joints, clean the ventilation grille, or replace it altogether. Then perform all the steps to install the new corrugation.

Product classification

The main types of air ducts are round, square, rectangular and flexible. In the first case, the products are used for arranging ventilation system routes. The diameter of such objects varies between 1−1.5 cm. Rectangular plastic air ducts are often used in domestic conditions. They are placed under the suspended ceiling space.

Plastic air ducts here have standard dimensions - 60 by 120 and 60 by 204 mm. Flexible ones are distinguished by both rectangular and round sections. It all depends on the purposes for which this variety could be needed. The length of these objects does not exceed 20 m.

Rectangular plastic pipes for air ducts can be easily fixed to the ceiling and walls. They are perfect for this. But the circular cross-section leads to increased throughput. A flat plastic air duct is also called rectangular. This is explained by the height of the pipe, which is much smaller than the width of these objects. To assemble such an air duct, special elements will be required. The length of the channel is 35 cm at a minimum and reaches 2.5 m.

Flexible pipes are produced using the extrusion method. They are produced on automated devices. That is why the cost of finished products is low. Here we can highlight the low resistance to low temperatures. If it drops below 10 degrees Celsius, the pipe becomes brittle. Plastic reacts similarly to thermal effects. But here the fire protection system comes to the rescue. Viniurethane is used to produce flexible modifications. The polymer is welded to a steel spiral.

It is quite difficult to damage a flexible reinforced pipe. It provides a good level of noise insulation. It fully justifies its name, as it has great flexibility. In some cases, it can even be tied in a knot, as a result of which it will not lose its functions. Round, in other words, cylindrical, pipes can be found at industrial facilities, as well as in residential premises. They allow air flow to pass through much better than rectangular models, although they have a shape for installation that is not entirely comfortable to use.

Tips and recommendations necessary for the process of installing and purchasing corrugated hoods

The end result of the installation work is the flawless functioning of the entire ventilation system. To achieve this, experts recommend adhering to a number of rules:

If you install a pipe that is too narrow, it will create a greater load on the fan.

1. In cases where the ventilation hole is located at a considerable distance from the hood, it is better to place the pipe right under the ceiling, which will eliminate the presence of sharp corners in the structure and, as a result, ensure reliable and efficient operation of the system. It is better to hide such a structure under a suspended ceiling.
2. You need to take a responsible approach to choosing the diameter of the corrugation: a narrow pipe will lead to a greater load on the fan and worsen its performance.
3. For round hoods, it is not advisable to buy a pipe with a rectangular cross-section. This will negatively affect the efficiency of the system and will require the installation of additional adapters, which, in turn, will also reduce the permeability of the air duct.
4. Aluminum corrugation is a universal material, since you don’t have to worry about overheating the pipe. It can be used for channels for the outflow of combustion products when installing gas water heaters or heating boilers. At the same time, the heating devices themselves will work for a long time and efficiently.
5. Steel pipes are used in the construction of fireplaces, stoves or other heating systems.
6. There is no need to skimp on purchasing a pipe. The better the product, the longer the ventilation system will work.
7. Incorrect operation of a drain pipe made of low-quality material can allow carbon monoxide to enter the apartment and lead to dire consequences.
8. The length of the air duct should not exceed 3 m, and its bends should not exceed 90°.

It is better to give preference to aluminum corrugation, because it is universal

Installation and installation in a cabinet

To assemble the air duct, it is enough to have even an ordinary hacksaw on hand. The systems are insulated using sealant. You can buy elements to connect individual fragments, if required. Ventilation can include both plastic and metal pipes at the same time. The latter are in most cases placed at the outlet, and from them branches are made to plastic products. A fan can be used to speed up the air flow in the pipes. It must be taken into account that a large number of bends impairs traction. Ventilation power is reduced by 10% when turning.

In some cases, it is possible to install it in a cabinet when installing an air duct and hood. To do this, you need to install a check valve in front of the ventilation shaft. Next, the algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. Make a hole for the air ducts using a jigsaw in the shelves and walls of the cabinet.
2. Place a pipe into the resulting hole and secure the joints with sealant.
3. Hang the cabinet on the wall, connect the air duct to the ventilation shaft, and secure it with self-tapping screws.

Ventilation ducts and their types

Both corrugated and flexible plastic air ducts for ventilation can be installed not only in places where they need to be bent, but also where certain conditions are imposed on the air duct.

Classification of corrugated air ducts

Air ducts are:

1. Thermally insulated. They have normal or increased durability. Their inner layer is thermal insulating.
2. Non-insulated, available with normal or increased resistance.
3. Soundproofing, inside such air ducts there are perforations that absorb sound.

Air duct maintenance rules. The need to replace the corrugated pipe for the hood

Smooth-walled plastic pipes are easy to clean, especially if the air duct design consists of several sections of short length and a corrugation diameter of 100 mm (so that a hand can easily pass inside). The sections are disassembled, cleaned of dirt, and then installed in their original place. The situation is more complicated with aluminum corrugation, which has a relief surface. Fat, soot, carbon deposits and dirt accumulate in the folds of the structure over a long period of time. They are very difficult to remove, so it is easier to purchase a new corrugated ventilation duct and install it. We discussed in detail how to do this in the article.

Tips on how to collect correctly

When assembling air ducts with your own hands, consider the following recommendations:

• the air flow should move in the direction from the living area towards the bathroom, bathroom, kitchen, but not in the opposite direction;
• try to reduce the number of turns that reduce the power of the ventilation system;
• the end of the pipe should extend approximately 50 mm into the connecting element;
• The joints of the structural elements are covered with a thin layer of special white silicone or acrylic sealant. When dry, it does not lose elasticity and does not crack due to vibration, and is able to compensate for temperature expansion.

Sources

• https://stroychik.ru/ventilyaciya/plastikovye-vozduhovody
• https://TvoiDvor.com/dom/plastikovyie-vozduhovodyi-dlya-ventilyatsii/
• https://vseotrube.ru/ventilyatsiya-i-dymohod/vozduhovody-plastikovye
• https://ventilsystem.ru/ventilyaciya/elementy/truby/plastikovye-truby-dlya-ventilyacii.html
• https://TopVentilyaciya.ru/ventilyaciya/elementy/plastikovye-truby-dlya-vozduhovodov.html
• https://kvent.ru/ventilyatsiya/gibkie-vozduhovody.html

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How to connect two corrugated pipes without a coupling, electrical tape, etc., a new way

Sometimes it happens that a small piece of corrugated pipe is missing, but, as always, there is a large number of scraps. Now let's look at an interesting option: how to splice two pieces of corrugation, so as not to run to the store and waste money.

There should be a metal corrugation here, but since this is a temporary structure, don’t pay attention. There should be a metal corrugation here, but since this is a temporary structure, don’t pay attention.

So, you can, of course, connect two pieces using insulating tape, but this will not be entirely reliable and convenient.

Although, here everyone decides for himself what is best for him. If you use Safeline electrical tape, then yes, it is so sticky and of high quality that it will completely replace corrugated tape. I'm not imposing anything on anyone, I just want to share an interesting solution.