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7 Reasons to Consider DuctSox for Your Next Project

February 1, 2022

DuctSox Corporation is a manufacturer of custom-engineered commercial and industrial air dispersion products for open ceiling architecture, critical environments, and underfloor applications. Traditional metal units used to move air throughout a facility have been referred to as “ductwork” where each system relies on several components to perform efficiently. In the past, fabric was referred to as “fabric ducting” or “fabric ductwork.” However, fabric provides a complete air dispersion system that is incomparable to metal.  

DuctSoxSample

DuctSox are customized to meet the needs of each space and include the following 7 advantages. 

  1. Lower Cost
    A fabric duct system has a total lifetime ownership cost that is drastically lower than a comparable metal ductwork layout. Fabric ducts are lightweight, allowing for easy and cost-effective shipping and installation. The use of fabric ducts reduces energy costs since these systems heat or cool spaces more quickly and uniformly, thus reducing runtime for mechanical equipment.  

  2. Absorbs Noise
    Fabric can absorb noise in certain applications and deliver air quietly without resonating as metal does. An additional noise reduction can be achieved by installing fabric sound attenuators in relation to mechanical noise coming from the air handler.  

  3. No Condensation 
    The ductwork of non-insulated metals is prone to dripping condensation and rusting in humid climates. If moisture is present, mold will grow. Mold can lead to serious air quality problems in your building. Left untreated, ductwork can rust through, allowing dust to enter along with the mold, further degrading the indoor air quality and becoming a health hazard. Porous fabric systems are not prone to condensation or rust issues because of the nature of the material. 

  4. Aesthetically Pleasing
    DuctSox systems can blend into an existing environment or be used to create a unique style. DuctSox fabrics are available in a variety of standard colors, patterns, and custom colors. They can also be personalized with company logos, mascots, or taglines. DuctSox fabrics are forgiving, meaning they will not scratch or dent like metal systems tend to do overtime.  

  5. Low Maintenance
    A metal system requires upkeep, such as repainting over time, periodic tightening of louvers/regulators/grills, and re-sealing of transitions. In addition, they are susceptible to damage from impacts, which can make them vulnerable to a range of issues. Once a DuctSox system is installed, there is little to no ongoing maintenance required. As your fabric system ages, extensive dirt buildup will have little to no effect on the air dispersion performance. You can keep your DuctSox looking clean much more easily and less expensively than you can your metal ducts. In time, duct systems are likely to accumulate dust and other micro-organisms that contribute to sick building syndrome. The advantage of DuctSox over metal is that it can be completely laundered.  

  6. Flexibility in Design 
    In contrast to metal ductwork, which usually has a round or square shape, DuctSox fabric systems have four distinct shapes: round, half-round, quarter-round, and oval. It is possible to hang a fabric system with cables, tracks, or hoops, depending on the application. For more complicated layouts, there are a variety of fittings, including elbows, Ts, transitions, and crosses. In addition, a fabric system’s shape and suspension flexibility make it possible to install it in almost any space, regardless of potential obstacles. All the benefits of fabric can be used to earn credits for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) or other types of “green” or sustainability recognition.  

  7. Targeted Air Dispersion 
    The duct, dampers, and localized diffusers used in metal systems are typically spaced out over the length of the run, which leads to air drafts near the outlets and cold and hot spots within the occupied space. In fabric ductwork, the air is distributed uniformly by means of a combination of air-porous fabrics, linear vents, nozzles, and orifices. Such systems help to lower energy costs by heating or cooling spaces faster and more uniformly to satisfy temperature set points.  

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Laiken Kuykendall

Laiken Kuykendall

Laiken is the Digital Marketing Specialist for the Hoffman Family of Companies. She learns more about the commercial/industrial HVAC industry each day and enjoys sharing her best findings here!

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