Toilet air circulation is essential, particularly in bathrooms without external windows, but people use lavatory exhaust fan for more than just odor control.
Building regulations apply to airflow in confined areas and humidity control in restrooms, and they also govern the ductwork used for bathroom exhaust fans. Furthermore, each of the permissible ducting options has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
When it concerns the washroom exhaust fan ducting, there are two types: flexible and stiff.
In this post, we examine both alternatives. We also go through some of the other considerations you’ll have to consider when adding bathroom fans. Such as whether to use insulated or uninsulated ducts, which exhaust fan to use, whether to use four or six inches ducts, and where to exhaust.
Bathroom Exhaust Fan Adjustable Duct
For a lavatory fan, a bendable duct is completely appropriate. Every kind of duct has advantages and disadvantages. In most cases, the advantages of adjustable ducting exceed the disadvantages, hence why people so often utilize the movable duct. Always get air duct cleaning Gainesville GA service to keep the ducts working.
It’s all well to claim that an elastic duct will suffice, but what about the building code?
Building Codes Permit Flexible Duct for Restroom Fans
The International Residential Code (IRC) covers exhaust systems for household appliances, home kitchens, bathroom facilities, showers, and ventilation.
Ventilation ducts and exhaust apertures have been written in Section M1504. Even though no statement specifies that you can use flexible ducts, “flex duct” has written as a duct form in their list of permitted duct lengths.
Substances for Flexible Ducts
Flexible ducts are available in fiberglass, plastic, and metals. Cheap aluminum ductwork, on the other hand, you should avoid since it breaks quickly.
In reality, the thin metal duct frequently tear during installation. This is frequently identified only after years of examining the cause of moisture penetration in the loft.
Search for something with a protective coating on the aluminum’s upper side.
Because you shouldn’t have to be as cautious with PVC-covered aluminum bendable ducting, they’re far more tear-resistant and simpler to insulate and attach.
If you want to use aluminum ductwork, then it’s good because we suggest flexible aluminum ductwork, which is heavy-duty. Its multiple designs make it far more immune to leakage, splits, and cuts. You have to get a dryer vent cleaning Gainesville, GA, which will help the duct exhaust fan work properly.
Domestic airflow solutions from specialists are great. Combine the hard pipe with a high-quality spring-loaded plaster backdraft valve for a long-lasting, productive, silent ventilation system. If you want to understand more about air dampers, then keep reading this guide.
Bathroom Fan Advantages of Flexible Duct
Versatility is the most evident advantage of adjustable ducting. Flexibility is advantageous for restroom fan ductwork in the following ways:
- It makes it possible to fit ducts into tighter places easily.
- It will allow the ducts to curve and follow directions that stiff ductwork would not be able to perform without using connectors and other components. Professionals do not prefer curves in ductwork, but they are frequently unavoidable. And a flexible duct’s bend is preferable to a solid duct’s acute edge.
The expense of flexible ductwork for a toilet fan, on the other hand, is undoubtedly the most appealing feature. Even of greater grade, elastic ducting is substantially less costly than solid metal ducting.
You save even more on staff because it’s simpler and less expensive to install. You might not have to purchase the converters and joints that rigid ducts need.
Disadvantages of Flexible Duct for Bathroom Fan
The toilet vent ductwork aims to transport hot, damp air from the lavatory and discharge it outside. It keeps humidity from accumulating in the toilet’s foundations and panels, leading to decay, mold, fungal, and other issues.
Due to two issues, flexible ductwork is not the most effective model for this function.
Risen Friction
Ridges cause airflow instability on the inside surfaces of flexible ducts. Volatility accelerates the amount during which air particles clash with the conduit walls, causing resistance to rising.
Resistance is one of the most important elements controlling airflow velocity via a duct. You must continue the hot air and humidity transported by the air to move through the ducts until it is discharged externally.
When resistance grows, airflow force is lost, and the duct’s effectiveness is lowered.
In addition, the inner surface spikes can trap and store wetness, keeping it from being carried outdoors. The lower the airflow pressure, the ducts can accumulate the simpler humidity in the vents.
While a flexible tube will enhance resistance, it is usually not a problem. Compared to inflexible ducting, the difference in performance is insignificant, particularly if you use the AC infinity ducts.
Sagging Duct
Second, if not properly supported, elastic ducting might sag. The drooping spots obstruct smooth airflow, create friction, induce pressure drops, and collect water that should be discharged outdoors.
Flexible airways require more frequent cleaning due to the possibility of humidity accumulation, making them highly efficient. It’s also worth noting that elastic ductwork isn’t permitted to be used with range hoods.