Thermatuff® Frequently Asked Questions
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What is phenolic ductwork?
Phenolic ductwork is fabricated from rigid phenolic insulation panels rather than conventional sheet metal with separately applied insulation. The duct, insulation and interior air surface are combined into one lightweight, pre-insulated system. Systems like Thermatuff® provide this 2-in-1 approach to create a high R-value and Low Air Leakage duct system.
What is Thermatuff®?
Thermatuff® is Thermaduct®’s rigid, closed-cell phenolic insulation panel. It is used to fabricate pre-insulated phenolic ductwork and as a high-performance liner inside sheet metal duct systems.
Where is Thermatuff® a Used?
Thermatuff®'s non-fibrous pre-insulated duct used in a variety of applications across the country including commercial, industrial, healthcare, pharmaceutical, high humidity applications and food industry installations. It can also be used as an interior liner in sheet metal ductwork.
What are the benefits of Thermatuff® phenolic ductwork?
Thermatuff® provides high R-values, lightweight construction, low-leakage duct design and a smooth, non-fibrous interior air surface. Its pre-insulated construction also eliminates separate field-applied duct insulation.
What insulation values are available?
Thermatuff® systems are available in configurations providing R-6, R-8 and R-12 insulation values. This allows the duct system to be selected based on the project specifications and applicable energy-code requirements.
What is the interior surface of Thermatuff® ductwork?
Thermatuff® panels have a smooth aluminum facing without perforations that creates the interior air surface of the completed duct system. Air travels over sealed aluminum rather than exposed fibrous insulation for a fully encapsulated phenolic insulation.
Is Thermatuff® fiberglass-free?
Yes. Thermatuff® uses a non-fibrous, closed-cell phenolic insulation core. The completed duct system contains no exposed fiberglass insulation in the airstream.
Does Thermatuff® improve indoor air quality?
Thermatuff® provides a smooth, fiber-free air surface with no exposed fibrous duct liner in the airstream. This helps reduce concerns associated with loose insulation fibers entering the air-distribution system.
Can Thermatuff be used as a duct liner?
Yes. Thermatuff® panels can be installed inside sheet metal ductwork to create a fiber-free, double-wall insulated duct system. This utilizes Thermatuct®'s patented glueless retention method using Tuff-Lock® retention clips or Airtruss® reinforcement members.
Does the Tuff-Lock® or Airtruss® liner system require adhesives?
No. Airtruss® mechanically retains the Thermatuff® liner inside the metal duct, eliminating adhesive application and cure time.
What pressure can Thermatuff® duct liner handle?
Thermatuff® liner construction using Tuff-Lock® clips is designed for pressures up to approximately 2 inches w.g. positive or negative. Airtruss® reinforced liner assemblies are designed for pressures up to approximately 10 inches w.g. positive or negative.
Does Thermatuff meet SMACNA standards?
Thermatuff® pre-insulated duct systems are engineered for fabrication in accordance with the SMACNA Phenolic Duct Construction Standards, 2015 Edition. These standards address duct construction, reinforcement, connections, supports and installation.
What is Thermatuff’s flame and smoke rating?
Thermatuff® has been tested in accordance with ASTM E84 and achieves a flame-spread index of 25 or less and a smoke-developed index of 50 or less.
What air velocity can Thermatuff® handle?
Thermatuff® has a maximum mean air velocity rating of 6,000 feet per minute.
What is Thermatuff®’s operating temperature range?
Thermatuff® is designed for operating temperatures from -15°F to 185°F.
What size are Thermatuff® panels?
Standard Thermatuff® panels measure approximately 47¼ inches by 157¾ inches. The large panel format supports the fabrication of long duct sections while helping reduce joints and material waste.
How is Thermatuff® phenolic ductwork fabricated?
Panels are cut using CNC routing equipment or specialized bladed tools that create the grooves, bevels and profiles needed for assembly. The panels are then folded or assembled, sealed, reinforced and fitted with the specified connection system.
Can Thermatuff® ductwork connect to sheet metal ductwork?
Yes. Phenolic straight sections, fittings, plenums and risers can be integrated with conventional sheet metal duct systems using appropriate transition and connection methods.
Is Thermatuff® lighter than insulated sheet metal ductwork?
Yes. Phenolic duct systems are substantially lighter than comparable double-wall insulated sheet metal systems. Lower weight simplifies transportation, lifting, support and overhead installation. Thermatuff® can help reduce the strain on your team throughout the day.
Does Thermatuff® reduce installation labor?
Thermatuff® combines the duct, insulation and interior air surface into one system. This eliminates separate field-wrapping operations and reduces the number of installation steps required to complete insulated HVAC ductwork.
Can Thermatuff® replace conventional fiberglass duct liner?
Thermatuff® provides a rigid, fiber-free alternative to conventional fiberglass duct liner. Its smooth aluminum surface and glueless mechanical-retention options make it suitable for projects where non-fibrous insulation is preferred.
Where can I purchase Thermatuff®?
Contact Us! We can help equip your shop or locate one of Thermaduct's Representatives to get you fabricated Thermatuff® duct systems!
Who can help specify Thermatuff® phenolic ductwork?
Our Thermaduct® literature page can provide product data, guide specifications, application assistance and coordination with the appropriate representative or fabricator for your project.