There are many different methods of installing a duct into a building. The methods vary depending on the location and type of duct that is being installed. Ducts can be installed within walls and ceilings, and underground. They can also be attached to walls, and placed in enclosures or left exposed.
Hanging a duct from a wall or ceiling and leaving it exposed is the simplest method of duct installation. Using this method, all that must be done is to secure the tubing to the source of airflow and make sure that it is properly attached to or suspended from a wall or ceiling. If desired, the ductwork can be enclosed using a simple wooden track, attaching the end of the ductwork to a vent. Then, the vent should also be attached to the outside of the wooden track, preferably using screws.
Another simple method of duct installation that is less visible would be to take advantage of available space in an attic or crawlspace. If the source of airflow is near enough to either of these spaces, this is a good option. A few holes that are roughly the diameter of the ductwork must be cut so that the duct can be run through the attic or crawlspace into the room or area where it is needed. Vents can be installed in this room and also at other locations along the length of the ductwork as needed.
A more difficult and problematic method of duct installation is installing it within a floor. There are many ways to go about this and the methods vary depending on the type of floor. If the duct that is being installed is intended to run through a basement floor, then it can only be installed if concrete has not yet been poured. These ducts do offer a significant advantage in terms of reducing energy loss.
Duct installation is not practical in thin floors that do not have the strength to support a duct system. Fortunately, most floors leave some room for insulation underneath them and ducts can be installed in these spaces. First, the floorboards must be removed and the path that the duct will follow must be determined. Holes roughly the size of the duct’s diameter must be cut in the beams that support the floorboards in order for the duct to reach the intended location of the vent. Then, a vent is installed into the floorboards and a duct is laid from there to the source of the airflow.
These and other methods of duct installation should not be performed by workers who are not qualified professionals. Serious damage to a house can occur if anything goes wrong when installing these systems. Consulting the phone book and the Internet are good ways to find professionals who can be contacted for estimates and installation.