Ducts are built inside buildings mainly for purposes i.e., ventilation, heating, and cooling. But in addition to that, it can play different roles for the indoors. Their mere presence provides for different purposes.
But first what are ducts!
Ducts
There are hoses that provide passage for controlled air traveling within a building and out of it. These hoses are made mainly out of metals and non-metals. Metals include aluminum and galvanized steel. While, non-metals include plastic, fiberglass, polyester fabric, and others. Insulation is added on both insides and the outsides depending on the use. The insulation keeps the condition on both sides intact and unaffected. Ducts are installed in the internal flooring. Whereas, they can be covered or left uncovered.
Their functions cover various aspects of the buildings.
Their Function
Ducts provide isolated passages for air. This property allows it to carry air in an intact condition. This makes it fit for boilers, air-conditioners, ventilation fans, humidifiers, and heaters. These devices give off the air in their specific condition that needs to stay intact to produce the required effect. These conditions include smell, temperature, pressure, and tendency to move. A little interaction and the intended purpose are lost. Transferring this air is the primary function of ducts.
In addition to the primary function of ducts, they also serve some other purposes. These purposes are:
It contributes to the interior
Interiors are prepared through different finishing techniques and materials. All these are meant to make them look beautiful. The duct like other materials adds to the overall appeal of interiors. They can be covered through finishing materials or those materials are applied over them. Through either of them, required some contribution is made to the interiors.
Safe walls from damage
Everything in the building is prone to some danger or the other. Among them include the damage caused by warm air and architectural clash. As ducts are installed, the wall is safe from both. The air passes through the passage without affecting the wall in any shape or form. This way, the walls stay intact while the air passes.
Unattended space is utilized
Ducts are only installed in case of any mechanical system. (Mechanical estimating services can be availed in this regard.) Still, they cover space in the ceiling that is otherwise lost. They keep the space needed for human mobility free and make use of the unattended space. As a result, the overall space is fully utilized along with mechanical facilities.
Keeps the surroundings safe
Direct contact with warm, cold, or polluted air can be harmful to life. Hence, it is needed to be transported around through safe passage. Ducts provide that facility. While the air travels inside them, the outside air can stay intact and healthy. Further, the outlet can be arranged at a safe location while keeping the whole indoor environment safe.
Provide support to the ceiling & wall
Although ducts themselves are fastened to the wall or ceiling, their presence is helpful for both the wall and the ceiling. They protect against damage and bind with the place they are installed. Consequently, the structural components stay in their position with better strength. Moreover, if the ceiling deteriorates the falling piece falls on the ducts as the life below stays safe.
Conclusion
Ducts are an important part of mechanical systems. These are made from different metals and nonmetal materials to provide passage for air. They transport air from air-conditioners, heaters, boilers, and humidifiers. In addition to their primary purpose, they outperform certain other functions. Some of these are discussed in the article.