Optimal home climate performance is the basis for a he althy and safe life. Therefore, along with the engineering systems of the utility spectrum, the installation of ventilation systems is also required. Depending on the purpose of the house, its parameters and layout, the appropriate configuration of the supply and exhaust structures is selected. The main material for the organization of such systems is galvanized metal, but recently plastic ventilation has become more common, which has a wide range of advantages and is easy to install. Technologies for the production of artificial air ducts make it possible to manufacture components of different sizes and shapes, which allows you to completely replace the metal elements of ventilation.
Why is plastic better than metal for ventilation?
Basically, the advantages of plastic ventilation elements come down to the ability to consistently ensure the performance of this system. In particular, the following material characteristics contribute to this:
- High tightness. The connection technology and the presence of flares with sealing rings minimize the riskformation of holes and crevices in the process of using the system.
- Smooth surfaces. This is the main difference from metal and asbestos air ducts, which plastic ventilation has in general and its components separately. Dirt and sand particles do not stagnate on surfaces, which allows pipes and ducts not to interfere with air circulation.
- Antistatic. The plastic used in ventilation is not a static material, so dust does not accumulate on its surfaces.
- Easy to install. The modest mass of plastic pipes simplifies the assembly operations during the installation process.
Of course, there are disadvantages to plastic ventilation, but they are insignificant in the context of the operation of ordinary residential buildings. Nevertheless, if plastic kitchen boxes for ventilation are installed, then fire safety requirements should be provided. It is due to the weak refractoriness that this material loses to metal counterparts.
Plastic pipes for air ducts
On the market you can find plastic components for air ducts with different sections. In addition to the usual round and rectangular elements, elliptical and flattened sections have become widespread. And yet, conventional plastic ventilation pipes are the most popular solution in this segment. This is facilitated by the ease of installation, and the minimum requirements for free space. However, there are times when it is spatial data that becomes the main factor forchoosing a different section - a flat oval shape. Such air ducts are used in hard-to-reach areas where the height for the implementation of the structure is limited. This is especially common in rooms with false ceilings, in the niches of which ventilation shafts are installed.
Traditional rectangular and square channels are still relevant. They are chosen for rooms where installation is also difficult. The fact is that integration, connection of elements and calculation of such air ducts is much simpler. On the other hand, rectangular plastic ventilation has a lower throughput. At the joints, sharp corners become a barrier to the passage of air. Although this applies more to metal structures.
Channel sizes
The cross section of the channel can also be selected taking into account the area of the room, since the rate of complete renewal of the air environment will depend on the shape of the conductor. But if the technical conditions of installation do not allow to correlate the shape and requests for the speed of the hood, it is worthwhile to carefully select their size. The standard diameter that plastic pipes have for ventilation is 15 cm. If it is planned to install rectangular channels, then the size will be 14 x 14 cm (width and height). It is important to understand that these are by no means recommended sizes, but average data that should be based on.
In the case of duct pipes, the minimum diameter is 10 cm and the maximum diameter is 25 cm.be 50 cm, 100 cm and 150 cm, if desired, you can find models of other sizes. In turn, plastic ventilation boxes can have sizes of 10 x 15 cm and 20 x 25 cm in height and width, respectively.
Ventilation grilles
The basis of the ventilation shaft is formed by pipes and channels of other shapes, but gratings are also an important element of the system. There are models with a built-in or overhead grid, modifications with adjustable blinds, with anemostats and diffusers. With regard to the size of the ventilation grille, plastic ones must correspond to the channels, and also fit their parameters to a specific installation site. In addition, do not forget about the aesthetic function. This is the only component of the ventilation complex that is not masked, so it is important that it matches the design features of the interior.
Varieties of plastic for ventilation
The material from which plastic ventilation is made with its elements is usually designated as a polymer. This group is quite wide and in this case we can talk about polyethylene, polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride. The first two representatives of this category are resistant to chemical attack and are safe for humans. But it is best to purchase PVC duct components.
As already noted, plastic is less fireproof than metal. But the same plastic ventilation grilles,made of PVC, have the highest possible fire resistance for a polymer. Unlike polyethylene, such an element can be installed in the kitchen and not worry about the risk of fire.
Installation of pipes and ventilation grilles
Operations for installing ventilation elements are not difficult, but they involve great responsibility, since reworking the work may involve dismantling the ceiling decorative surface. First, contours are calculated for the shaft in which pipes will be laid. Then, to ensure ventilation of the house, holes are formed with a plastic pipe for its fastening. Fixation is carried out either with special clips or with the help of mounting foam. In any case, the initial channel should exceed the diameter of the pipe used by 4-5 cm. At the final stage, the gratings are installed. Fastening is carried out through the holes provided by the manufacturer using self-tapping screws, and in some cases the case can be mounted on staples or glued.
Issue price
The cost of pipes, gratings and accessories for ventilation systems is low, and when supplying an average private house, you can meet 5-6 thousand rubles. This refers to a minimally equipped system with a basic set of elements from which plastic ventilation is formed. The price of pipes varies from 100 to 200 rubles per unit. It is important to bear in mind that the calculation of the cost is not made for running meters, but by the piece. Dimensionscomponents can vary in length and diameter, on which the price largely depends. Lattices will cost 100-150 rubles. There are options that are more expensive, but the average corridor today rarely exceeds 150 rubles apiece. The same applies to plastic components - in particular, simple connectors, adapters and couplings cost no more than 200 rubles.
Conclusion
The choice of materials and configuration for the device of the ventilation system depends on many factors. The advantages of metal systems are completely leveled in some operating conditions, but become advantageous in others. In this regard, plastic ventilation is considered universal. Its elements are distinguished by flexibility in the choice of mounting schemes, unpretentious maintenance and excellent performance properties. Nevertheless, the choice among plastic components plays an important role. Dimensions, method and quality of connections, the location of the air outlets and other characteristics of the system must be accurately calculated before purchasing the material.
