Brian's House Building Blog

HVAC Pipework: Improving Ducting Performance through Better Sheet Metal Fabrication

by Peyton Sanders

Sheet metal fabrication is essential if you are planning on installing durable ducting in your building. In general, there are multiple materials which can be utilised for this type of pipework. However, sheet metal channels provide the best advantages in terms of air quality, durability, resilience and value. If you fabricate good HVAC pipes, you will have reliable air distribution. Still, you must remember that not all metal ducts are equal. The performance of your channels will depend on the custom design and construction and its compatibility with your building. Here are important tips for getting ideal results through sheet metal fabrication.

Know Optimal Airflow

You should understand the airflow needs in your building before designing and fabricating your sheet metal channels. Also, it is important to take into account the heating and cooling devices to which the ducts will be connected. The sizing of the ducts will determine the amount of air that will be allowed to flow through per unit of time. If the ducts are too narrow, it will be difficult to get sufficient air into the interior space. On the other hand, large ducts are unnecessary and inefficient for proper air transfer. Therefore, you should ask your fabricator to assess your building before proceeding.  

Check the Service Life

You should purchase high-quality sheet metal for the pipework fabrication project. In simple terms, you must keep in mind that there are different metals on the market in terms of performance and longevity. If you purchase a poor material that is vulnerable to premature deterioration, you will need to plan for the replacement of the network within a short time. Therefore, you should focus on more than just pricing when purchasing the materials. Choose a reliable vendor and discuss the lifespan and overall performance of the available metals. Avoid low-grade mild steel sheets. Instead, you should opt for galvanised or other corrosion-resistant materials.

Consider the Runs and Bends

The length and overall design of the ducting are important to the performance of the HVAC system in your building. Therefore, you should consider these crucial factors during the fabrication of the sheet metal piping. In general, it is essential to ensure that the piping will be of optimal length. Long ducting runs will affect the efficiency of air transfer, but short runs might not be practical without remodelling the building. Therefore, you should find the middle ground. Also, minimise bends in the piping design and ensure that they are not too sharp.

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