The optimal microclimate in the house is the basis of a healthy and safe living. Therefore, along with engineering systems of the communal 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 organizing such systems is galvanized metal, but recently plastic ventilation has become increasingly common, which has a wide range of advantages and is convenient to install. Technologies for the production of artificial air ducts make it possible to produce components of different sizes and shapes, which allows you to completely replace the metal ventilation elements.
Why is plastic for ventilation better than metal?
Basically, the advantages of plastic elements for ventilation are reduced to the possibilities of stable ensuring the operational qualities of this system. In particular, the following material characteristics contribute to this:
- High tightness. The technology of forming joints and the presence of sockets with seal rings minimizes the risk of holes and crevices during the use of the system.
- Smooth surfaces. This is the main difference from metal and asbestos ducts, which has plastic ventilation in general and its components separately. On the surfaces, particles of dirt and sand do not stagnate, which allows pipes and ducts not to interfere with air circulation.
- Antistatic. 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 installation operations during the installation process.
Of course, there are also disadvantages to plastic ventilation, but they are insignificant in the context of the operation of ordinary residential buildings. Nevertheless, if plastic kitchen boxes are installed for ventilation, then fire safety requirements should be provided. It is due to weak refractoriness that this material loses to metal analogues.
Plastic pipes for air ducts
On the market you can find plastic components for ducts with different cross sections. In addition to the usual elements of round and rectangular shapes, elliptical and flattened sections became widespread. And yet, ordinary plastic ventilation pipes are the most sought-after solution in this segment. This is facilitated by the ease of installation, and the minimum requirements for free space. However, there are cases when it is spatial data that becomes the main factor for choosing another section - a flat oval shape. Such ducts are used in hard-to-reach areas where the height for the introduction of the structure is limited. This is especially common in rooms with suspended ceilings, in the niches of which ventilation shafts are installed.
Traditional channels of rectangular and square shapes are still relevant. They are chosen for rooms where installation is also difficult. The fact is that the integration, connection of elements and the calculation of such ducts are much simpler. On the other hand, rectangular plastic ventilation has less throughput. At the joints, sharp corners become a barrier to the passage of air. Although this is more true for metal structures.
Channel sizes
The channel cross section can also be selected taking into account the area of the room, since the speed of a complete update 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 requirements to the drawing speed, it is worthwhile to carefully choose their size. The standard diameter that plastic pipes for ventilation have is considered 15 cm. If the installation of rectangular channels is supposed, then the size will be 14 x 14 cm (width and height). It is important to understand that these are by no means the recommended sizes, but the averaged data from which you should build on.
In the case of duct pipes, the minimum diameter is 10 cm and the maximum reaches 25 cm. The length for the pipes can be 50 cm, 100 cm and 150 cm, and models of a different size can be found if desired. In turn, plastic ducts for ventilation can have sizes 10 x 15 cm and 20 x 25 cm in height and width, respectively.
Ventilation grates
The basis of the ventilation shaft is formed by pipes and channels of other shapes, but grilles are also an important element of the system. There are models with a built-in or patch grid, modifications with customizable blinds, with anemostats and diffusers. With regard to the size of the ventilation grilles, 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 indicated by 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 influences and are safe for humans. But it is best to purchase components for PVC ducts.
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 the polymer. Unlike polyethylene, such an element can be installed in the kitchen and not worry about the risks of fire.
Installation of pipes and ventilation grilles
The installation of ventilation elements is not difficult, but they require great responsibility, since the alteration of the work may involve the dismantling of the ceiling decorative surface. First, contours are calculated for the mine in which the pipes will be laid. Then, to ensure ventilation of the house with a plastic pipe, holes are formed for its fastening. Fixing is performed either with special clamps or with mounting foam. In any case, the initial channel must 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 by means of self-tapping screws, and in some cases the case can be mounted on brackets or glued.
Issue price
The cost of pipes, grilles and components 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 consider that the cost calculation is performed not per run meter, but individually. The sizes of the components can vary in length and diameter, which largely determines the price. Lattices will cost 100-150 rubles. There are options and more expensive, but the average corridor today rarely exceeds 150 rubles apiece. The same applies to components made of plastic - in particular, simple connectors, adapters and couplings cost no more than 200 rubles.
Conclusion
The choice of materials and configuration for the installation 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 characterized by flexibility in the choice of installation schemes, unpretentiousness in content and excellent operational properties. Nevertheless, an important role is played by the choice among plastic components. The sizes, 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.