Spiral ductwork looks great, and in many modern buildings and workspaces, it has become something of a feature. In new installations, it’s no longer hidden behind a stud wall, or a suspended ceiling, but proudly displayed as a sign of design consciousness.
Even period houses are getting the spiral treatment
It’s also being used in period houses, although it’s more likely to be hidden inside walls and floor voids. The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) describes how spiral ductwork was used in a retrofit that has brought a period London house up to the “passivhaus” standard of energy efficiency and insulation. Fresh air is relayed through the house by means of spiral wound ducts – https://www.cibsejournal.com/archive/PDFs/CIBSE-Journal-2014-01.pdf. This London project may be the beginning of a widespread move towards managed air supply in residential housing as more and more people become concerned about air quality.
But are there more hard-headed and practical reasons for choosing spiral ductwork, or is it simply a design fad beloved of architects and interior decor consultants? Read these six practical reasons for going spiral, and decide for yourself.
Spiral duct advantages
1. Air leakage from duct joints is greatly reduced. Because the ductwork is sealed, there’s no adverse effect on airflow which leads to a more efficient and cost-effective system.
2. The air leaving the system is at lower pressure, giving better ventilation because of a more even air flow.
3. Air intake is reduced because the ducts are airtight so that no contaminants are being introduced. This has the result of improving indoor air quality.
4. Spiral ductwork is quieter than rectangular ductwork, making it the best choice for open plan layouts. The reason it’s quieter is that the airflow is not subject to pressure differences or interruptions.
5. Spiral ductwork is cheaper both to install, and to clean and maintain. Galvanised steel ductwork www.dustspares.co.uk/ductwork-parts/galvanised-steel-spiral-duct.html/ also looks great if exposed, and is especially cost-effective.
6. Space can be saved because there’s no need for connectors or reinforcements. With space in city centres at a premium, this is an important advantage. And in period retrofits, it makes managed air flow a practical option.
With these practical advantages, and an aesthetic appeal designers love, the trend for using spiral ductwork, whether on display or hidden, is going to grow.
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