When looking at duct-work, one does not think about all the work that goes into building them. Sheet metal fabrication is an art in itself and requires special training to make sure the ducts are solid and will carry the HVAC air through a system with no leaks.

What Are the Types of Air Ducts? 

Ducts are used to provide a passage for ventilation, heating and air conditioning. When properly installed they assure quality air is delivered to the interior of any home or building. Having good, solid ducts is essential if a quality air is to be maintained. They must be able to supply air, return it and exhaust it.

Galvanized mild steel is most traditionally used in building ducts. It has a zinc coating which prevents the duct from rusting. Fabricating shop ducts can be made in various shapes to suit special situations.

These ducts are, as a rule, fabricated with duct wrap to make them quieter and eliminate the loss of hot or cold air that would occur without insulation. Some duct-work manufactured today has rigid insulation panels that do not need further lining and can be instantly fashioned and installed. This protection against air loss provides a cost-effective operation with lower utility bills.

Aluminum duct-work is popular because it is lightweight, which makes it easy to install. Sheets of aluminum used are ordinarily pre-insulated panels. After cutting to size, sections of the duct are put together with glue and aluminum tape is applied to the seams.