Practical and inexpensive ventilation systems made of plastic are gradually winning the market from their metal counterparts. With plastic ventilation elements: air ducts, bends, hatches and grilles, professionals and home craftsmen like to work. Plastic ventilation has a wide field of application, many advantages, but there are also disadvantages.
When is this the wrong choice? Is it possible to independently calculate the dimensions of ventilation made of plastic, to mount the system?
Types of plastic for ventilation
Parts of plastic ventilation systems are made of three types of plastics:
- polyurethane;
- polyvinyl chloride or PVC;
- polypropylene.
The most widely used in various ventilation systems are rectangular plastic pipes made of polyvinyl chloride, they can be light or medium type. PVC pipes are the cheapest and most reliable.
Polypropylene Ducts are good for everyone, but much more expensive than PVC. Since polypropylene is less strong, the walls of the parts are made thicker, which means that more powerful fasteners are required.
Polyurethane pipes are quite expensive, therefore less common. And the surface inside the pipes may have roughness, which reduces the aerodynamic properties of the products.
PVC ventilation properties:
- durability: service life - 50 years, products retain their color, shape, physical properties;
- environmental Safety;
- chemical neutrality;
- tightness;
- Easy to install and maintain
- light weight;
- inexpensive.
The first and almost the only drawback of plastic ventilation systems: poor resistance to high temperatures and fire.
Pipes must not be installed for transporting vapors and air mixtures with temperatures above 80 degrees Celsius. It is this property that significantly limits the possibility of using plastic products for ventilation systems in industrial enterprises.
Scope of plastic components for ventilation: any domestic, public and industrial premises not related to fire hazard classes I and II.
Do not install plastic ventilation on the following objects:
- production with the release of hot steam and open flame;
- saunas and baths;
- chimneys and chimneys;
- ventilation of solid fuel boilers.
Shapes and sizes of plastic ventilation elements
For the arrangement of ventilation systems, plastic ducts of various types and sizes are produced:
- rectangular section;
- round section;
- corrugated.
Round Air ducts are more economical and efficient, the inner walls freely pass air without turbulence and pressure reduction.
Rectangular plastic ventilation ducts reduce the air velocity. This factor should definitely be taken into account when selecting equipment power. But from rectangular plastic ducts it is very convenient to form flat ventilation systems that occupy a minimum of space. That is why plastic rectangular ventilation is very popular among owners of country houses.
Flexible plastic ducts for ventilation install mainly in short curved areas. The corrugations create a fairly large resistance to air, so they are noisy and also reduce the overall efficiency of the system.
Dimensions of plastic ducts for ventilation:
- Round air ducts are produced with diameters of 55 - 150 mm;
- Rectangular plastic ducts for ventilation: 6 x 12 cm, 6 x 20.4 cm;
- Flexible corrugated ducts are produced in diameters from 10 to 50 cm. The length of one piece of pipe can be up to 20 meters.
Rigid plastic ventilation ducts with a diameter of more than 22.5 cm are used exclusively in special projects. Numerous plastic components for ventilation make it possible to create systems of any configuration.
All types of plastic components:
- turns;
- corners;
- adapters;
- forks;
- connector holders;
- couplings;
- bends;
- flanges;
- gearboxes;
- tees.
They are produced in standard sizes, corresponding to the sections of round and rectangular ventilation ducts. When selecting the dimensions of ventilation from plastic, it must be taken into account that the inner diameter of the couplings must match the outer diameter of the pipe.
Plastic ventilation hatches and grilles
The ventilation grill is the beginning and end of any air exchange system. Plastic ventilation grills form the entrances to the pipes and scatter the air, preventing it from moving in a single stream. Ventilation grills are made of plastic, various metals and even wood.
Aluminum, wood and plastic ventilation grills can be structurally of different types:
- inertial;
- adjustable;
- unregulated.
As a rule, plastic models are unregulated.
Depending on the localization of the lattice are called:
- overflow;
- internal;
- outdoor.
Transfer or door plastic ventilation grills are placed at the bottom of the interior doors. They provide air movement between the rooms of the apartment. Door plastic ventilation grilles can be equipped with blinds that overlap, blocking the spread of light and sounds. Plastic ventilation grills are made in various sizes from 30 x 15 cm to 60 x 25 cm.
Internal invoices plastic ventilation grilles are used in apartments and offices to arrange access to the ventilation network. Some models of plastic overhead ventilation grilles are equipped with swivel plates that guide the air. Plastic overhead ventilation grilles are usually made small, there are designer models that serve as an additional decoration.
Outdoor ventilation grilles are often made not of plastic, but of steel or stainless alloys, their size can be quite large, depending on the cross section of the ducts. Just like plastic, regardless of size, these ventilation grilles are always equipped with blinds. Often, the design also provides for a check valve. In winter, the valve closes and cold wind flows do not penetrate the room.
Plastic ventilation hatches
Plastic ventilation hatches are also called revision. They can be installed on the ceiling, in the wall or ventilation (plumbing) duct. Through a plastic hatch, you can easily get to the ventilation units, water meters or other important communications hidden by decorative trim.
Hatches are made of high-quality ABS plastic in white.
On sale there are typical sizes of plastic ventilation hatches from 10x10 to 40x60 cm.
Depending on the installation method, the swing door opens to the right or left. To open it, you only need to lightly press the surface.
The hatch is fixed to glue or mortar.
DIY plastic ventilation installation
By installing plastic ventilation with your own hands, the pipes are connected to each other by soldering (tightly), on flanges or sockets.The second and third options make it easy to replace the damaged area. The airtightness and waterproofness of plastic ventilation during DIY installation is achieved through the use of sealants and rubber gaskets.
Ducts are attached to each other on a silicone sealant.
Cutting round and rectangular plastic ventilation parts is easy with a hacksaw or sharpened knife.
To mount plastic ventilation with your own hands, you will need tools:
- hacksaw;
- knife;
- pencil;
- side cutters.
And materials:
- clamps for fasteners;
- mastic;
- sealant.
Flexible plastic duct for ventilation is mounted as stretched as possible. Otherwise, the pressure will significantly decrease along the highway. With a socket connection, the pipe is inserted to a depth of 5 - 6 cm.
Sewer ventilation
Plastic sewer pipes are made from the same types of plastic as ventilation pipes. At the same time, they are significantly cheaper, so some home masters prefer to collect ventilation from plastic sewer pipes, despite the fact that their diameter is 110 mm, which is not quite typical for air communications.
If the cross section of the pipes meets the norms of air exchange, you can use them.
Sewer pipes are not treated with antistatic substances, so dust particles will stick to the walls. Pretty quickly they form a thick layer.
And one more minus - if you use them as supply air ducts, for some time the smell of plastic may be present in the house.
The diameter of all ducts must be the same, otherwise the traction in the system will be violated. Therefore, it is impossible to attach a corrugation with a diameter of 120 mm to a plastic sewer pipe in the ventilation system. At the junction, the air will slow down. If there is no other option, the transition should be made gradual.
Plastic sewer pipes are slightly heavier than ventilation pipes, so fasteners need to be provided.
For sound and thermal insulation after installation, blow open sections of pipes with foam.
This is a simple and affordable way to forget about condensate and unpleasant noise for a long time.
Before installing plastic ventilation with your own hands, consult a professional. He will help you choose the best materials and plan your system correctly.
Video on how to use plastic sewer pipes when arranging cellar ventilation:
