Exposed ductwork is a common method for installing an HVAC system in larger buildings, whether it's a warehouse, gym, office or another sort of commercial business. There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that the ducts function well and look nice.
1. Basic Style
There are many styles of ductwork, so there is no need to sacrifice form for function or vise versa. Some decisions to make are those of shape, texture, and finish. Ducts can be round or square, smooth or corrugated, and shiny or matte. Consider how visible the exposed ducts will be and how well you want them to blend into the ceiling. Smooth rounded ducts, for example, can be less obvious than square shiny ducts.
2. Metal Gauge
Gauge measures the thickness of the duct walls. Although thinner gauge ducts cost less, they aren't quite as durable. If the ducts are to be installed somewhere with dent danger, such as above a basketball court or gym space, then thicker gauges are needed to prevent dents. In rooms where the ducts aren't likely to be disturbed, a thinner gauge can be used to save on overall costs.
3. Complete Layout
The layout of exposed ducts is especially important for both design and function reasons. From a design perspective, the route of the exposed ducts should be visually pleasing and not interfere with any other ceiling installations, such as lighting. For functional reasons, the placement of both the ducts and their vents needs to be considered for optimum comfort—you don't want a high-powered vent blowing full force directly onto a seating area, for example.
4. Paint Upgrades
If the plain silver of the exposed ducts isn't up to the decor standards of the room, there are options to change it up a bit. Painting is a commonly used technique to help ducts blend in better with the room. You can opt to have the ducts painted the same colour as all other ceiling components so they are barely visible, or you can choose bright colours that make the ducts part of the design focus of the room.
5. Proper Seals
A common misconception is that sealing of exposed ducts isn't very important because any air leaks will occur in the room meant to be serviced by the ducts. Air loss still impacts the ability to cool or heat further down the ducted route. Every joint in exposed ductwork should be properly sealed with a clear invisible sealant that doesn't detract from the exposed duct's appearance.
Contact an HVAC ductwork installation service for more help.
