Ductboard

plumber1

heating and cooling company in michigan looking to switch to ductboard over metal duct.i would like to know if there is any advantage of using KNAUF or OWENS CORNING

Diesel65

Whichever is cheaper, at the moment, Knauff tends to be a little softer (seems like less resin) and the vapor barrier tends to seperate at the lap joint.

I have had to put up with this garbage for years down here in Fl I am a tin knocker by trade. Why would you want to use this stuff, Sheetmetal is permanent and it can be cleaned, it doesn't blow out glass fibres that can cause cancer either, (read the box).

The only places it can't be used down here is Government buildings and Hospitals, (what does that tell you).

Sorry, couldn't help myself. Should I tell you how I really feel now!!!!

AirPro

"Why would you want to use this stuff, Sheetmetal is permanent and it can be cleaned, it doesn't blow out glass fibres that can cause cancer either, (read the box)."

Because it is half the price of sheet metal. Most GC's here tend to go with the low bidder when choosing HVAC subs, I'm sure it is like that in most areas as well. Besides, ductboard if installed and sealed properly will not have loose fibers blowing off, and will last for many many years as long as it doesn't get crawled on. Also, you can seal a ductboard duct system 100%, something you can't do with sheet metal.

A duct system should never need to be cleaned if properly installed, sealed and GOOD filtration is used from the beginning, but ductboard CAN indeed be cleaned effectively using the correct methods.

As far as which brand, I don't think it matters much for regular ductboard, they all have to adhere to the same standards. We seem to get alot of the Certanteed stuff from my suppliers here, but occasionally we get owens corning...I don't see a differance. Now, if you get into coated or anti-microbial ductboard, Knuaff is the way to go, but that stuff is very expensive.

Diesel65

I beg to differ with you, but then I have only 24 years in the trade so I don't know much yet.

plumber1

thanks for the info!

able14

stick with metal duct board does have fibers blowing off in the air stream and with its rough surface it tends to build up dust which when gets humidified can grow mold also woulndnt use duct liner there used to be duct bord with a plastic liner in it .if youre looking for price use duct board if you want quality go with metal.just my opinion