What is Flexible Insulated Ducting?
A flexible, tubular passage for supply, return and exhaust air used in heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. It can replace galvanized pipe and helps reduce heat and cool loss and condensation build up.
How are the types of Flexible Insulated Ducting classified?
Flexible Insulated ducting can be classified into 2 categories: Air Duct or Air Connector.
What is an Air Duct?
An Air Duct is a category of flexible duct that has been tested and classified by the surface burning characteristics in accordance with the UL 181 standard. An Air Duct can be identified by the rectangular shape label that the manufacturer applies to the duct.
Why are there two types of jackets, black and silver?
The jackets are vapor barriers. The vapor barrier is the outer membrane of the flexible insulated duct. For a stronger more durable vapor barrier your choice should be the silver jacket as it is heavy duty, tear resistant and has a reinforced scrim.
How do you install Flexible Insulated Ducting?
See Attached Installation instruction sheet as per the Air Diffusion Council.
NOTES
- Avoid installations where exposure to direct sunlight can occur e.g.: turbine vents, sky lights, canopy windows, etc. Prolonged exposure to sunlight will cause degradation of the vapor barrier.
- Repair torn or damaged vapor barrier jacket with duct tape listed and labeled to Standard UL 181B.
- Install duct fully extended, do not install in the compressed state or use excess lengths.
How do you connect pieces of duct together?
All connections, joints and splices shall be made in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
General guidelines
- Peel back jacket and insulation from core. Butt two cores together on a standard 4” metal sleeve.
- Tape cores together with at least 2 wraps of duct tape. Secure with 2 clamps.
- Pull jacket and insulation back over cores. Tape jackets together with at least 2 wraps of duct tape.
What is an R-Factor?
R-Factor is the thermal resistance. A higher R Value represents a better insulating material. The minimum value is R 4.2. The R-Value requirements for air distribution ducts can vary depending on the energy code being enforced.
What are the available R-Factors?
Dundas Jafine offers Flexible Insulated Duct with r-value ratings of 4.2, 6.0 and 8.0.
Where would I find the R-Factor?
Dundas Jafine prints the R-Factor on the end flaps of the carton packaging, on the vapor barrier (jacket) of the duct as well as on the Air Duct identifing U.L. label that is applied to duct.
What is an Air Connector?
An Air Connector is a series of flexible duct that does not meet the requirements of an Air Duct as per the U.L. 181 Standard. (An Air connector is not tested for flame penetration, puncture and or impact), and has limitations on use, length and location. Air Connectors are required by U.L. to be identified by a round shape listing label that is applied by the manufacturer.
Why is the installation length restricted to 14’ for an Air Connector?
The installation of air connector products in lengths greater than 14’ are not recommended by Underwriters Laboratories. U.L. restricts labelling of an air connector to a maximum of 14’.
What applications are not recommended for Flexible Insulated Ducting?
Air Ducts and Air Connectors should not be used to vent any appliance for cooking, heating or clothes dryer venting unless appoved and recommended by the appliance manufacturer.
Does Flexible Aluminum Ducting have a U.L. label?
No, because Flexible Aluminum Ducting is rated as Class 0. Class 0 is considered to be non-combustible and therefore does not require a label by U.L.
What is the R-Value of Aluminum Ducting?
Uninsulated ducting does have an r-value rating.
What is permeability?
The time rate of water vapor transmission through the vapor barrier.
What is leakage?
The time rate of air volume loss, expressed in cubic feet per minute (CFM).
