Four Ways to Use Phenolic Ductwork
Phenolic duct systems have been in the United States for almost two decades since the 2004 introduction by Knauf of their phenolic duct system. As more contractors have found a solution in phenolic and acceptance continues to grow, there are many ways this innovative phenolic panel has found a home in the United States.
From lining metal ductwork to full phenolic duct fabrication, there are many ways your business can find a solution with phenolic ductwork!
The Duct System – Reduce Materials, Installation Steps and Energy Loss
Thermatuff® phenolic ductwork combines the duct, insulation and interior air surface into one lightweight system. Unlike conventional sheet metal that requires separate insulation, pre-insulated phenolic ductwork arrives ready for installation. This reduces material handling, field labor and the number of steps required to complete the duct system.
Available in R-6, R-8 and R-12 insulated values, Thermatuff® provides high thermal performance in a thinner profile. Its lightweight construction and low-leakage design make it a practical insulated ductwork alternative for projects focused on energy efficiency, reduced material use and lower installed costs.
Fabricating the Thermatuff® system offers many benefits over traditional sheet metal ductwork. From design concepts to a completed installation, Thermatuff® overs a variety of benefits for both contractors and building owners alike.
- Increased IAQ
- Lower Air Leakage
- Reduced Weight Over Sheet Metal
- Space Saving
- Fiber Free Insulation Core
- Low Embodied Carbon
- 25/50 Flame and Smoke Spread (ASTM E84)
Thermatuff® is an easy to use, innovative pre-insulated duct system for fabricators looking to offer a greener, low carbon alternative. For more information on this system, talk to one of our Thermatuff® specialists now!
The Duct Liner – For the Heavily Invested Metal Shop
Thermatuff® phenolic panels can be installed as a non-fibrous duct liner inside conventional sheet metal ductwork, allowing fabricators to keep using their existing coil lines, brakes, flanging equipment and familiar construction methods. The result is a double-wall insulated duct system with a smooth aluminum air surface and a lightweight, closed-cell phenolic insulation core.
Thermaduct’s patented Tuff-Lock® retention clips or Airtruss® members mechanically secures the phenolic liner inside the metal duct without adhesives. This glueless liner method supports the duct structure, maintains consistent liner placement and eliminates the mess, cure time and long-term concerns associated with adhesive-applied insulation. It gives sheet metal shops a practical way to offer high-performance phenolic duct liner with minimal additional equipment or process changes.
CUT
Cut to Size with Common Shop or Jobsite Tools, Such as a Table Saw.
APPLY
Apply Thermatuff® Liner to Metal Ductwork by Kingspan's Lining Guidelines. No adhesives Necessary!
SECURE
Install Insulation Retention Clips by Thermaduct® Guidelines and Finish Corners with Thermatuff® Sealant and Apply UL 181 Approved Tape
Using Thermatuff as an insulated duct liner has many benefits for the ductwork you are currently fabricating. Lowering air leakage, friction loss and installation weight, this phenolic duct liner will greatly increase the efficiency of your sheet metal ductwork for both indoor and outdoor applications!
- High R-Values
- Superior Fire and Smoke Performance
- Lowers Air Leakage
- No Adhesives or Pin Fasteners Required
- Lightweight Foam Insulation That Is Easy to Install
- Low VOC and High IAQ
- NFPA 90a Compliant
- ASTM E84 25/50 Compliant
- Space Saving - Reach an R6 Insulated Value with a 1" Thermatuff® Panel
- Smooth Interior Surface - Up to 7x smoother than Traditional Fibrous Liners
- Closed Cell Insulation with Clean Aluminum Surface
- Low to High Pressure - 0.5" to 10" W.C.
The Lightweight Time Saver – For Those Looking to Reduce Costs in the Field
Thermatuff® phenolic ductwork can weigh significantly less than comparable insulated sheet metal, making large duct sections easier to transport, lift, position and install. The lower system weight can reduce lifting-equipment demands, simplify overhead work and decrease the number or capacity of supports required for the installation.
Because the insulation is already built into the duct system, crews can eliminate separate field-wrapping operations and complete the air-distribution system with fewer labor steps. Thermaduct® also provides fabrication and installation training based on the SMACNA Phenolic Duct Construction Standards, helping contractors add lightweight pre-insulated ductwork to their projects with a straightforward learning curve.
Lightweight Phenolic Duct
Space Saving Phenolic Duct
The Building Block – For Those Looking to Build Upon High Efficiency
Thermatuff® panels provide the foundation for highly insulated products. With some of the highest R-values provided per inch, you are able to do more with less by using Thermatuff®. For those looking to expand their footprint in the HVAC industry, these phenolic panels can be a foundation for taking a product from a rectangular pre-insulated system to other areas the HVAC industry.
Rectangular, round or flat oval systems utilizing Thermatuff® are available from OEM manufacturers nationwide for both interior and exterior applications.
Thermaduct Phenolic Ductwork
Thermaduct InspiralR Round Ductwork
Exposed Phenolic Ductwork
Let Us Help You Find Where Phenolic Makes Sense for your business
Pre-insulated Phenolic Ductwork like Thermatuff® is changing the HVAC industry. It allows you to offer a lightweight, space saving and LEED Point eligible option to your customers that can add value to their project, both now and with future energy bills. There’s never been a better time for you to get involved with your next project!