A special corrugation for the hood is used when installing additional equipment for the ventilation system in the kitchen or bathroom and is an integral part of the overall design. The corrugated pipe is divided into several varieties depending on the appearance, material and manufacturing method. Before buying such an element, it is worthwhile to study in detail its scope of application, the pros and cons, the available installation and installation options.
Features of the structure of the corrugation for the hood
Corrugation for ventilation is a corrugated pipe that is mounted between equipment that circulates and removes air to the ventilation system of the building or to the external environment. It is flexible due to its design and manufacturing technology. The pipe is often used to install air ducts in hard-to-reach places; most of these elements do not need additional decoration and cover due to the universal design.
The list of the main technical characteristics of the corrugation intended for drawing includes the length and diameter. The length of the element is determined by the manufacturer, the pipe can be of a standard size and sold in coils. The shape of the section of the corrugation is rectangular or round. The diameter of the air ducts varies within 10-30 cm; for their manufacture, aluminum, plastic, polyethylene, textiles, aluminum or stainless steel are most often used.
Classification of corrugated pipes
Corrugation ventilation is actively used in the device of communications. The element is popular due to its high strength, a large selection of sizes and materials, as well as a long service life. There are various types of pipes on the market, ranging from small diameter plastic color models to large stainless steel culverts. To find the right model, you need to understand the types of pipes and know how they differ from each other.
In appearance
In appearance and shape, pipes can be round or rectangular. Models of the second type are used primarily at production facilities. Round options are designed for home ventilation systems, most often specialists install spiral-wound corrugations in houses, made of plastic, aluminum, galvanized or stainless steel.
By material of manufacture
Elements made of aluminum are used for indoor and outdoor installation; their main advantages include a low weight and a frame of an average degree of rigidity. Such corrugations can be used at different temperature conditions for a long time. They also have disadvantages, it is an increased noise level and vibration during operation.
Plastic pipes are popular due to their low cost and ease of installation, they have a minimum level of resistance to air flow and are available in a large number of options. At the same time, they are susceptible to fire and destruction, and also emit harmful vapors when burning.
Elements made of stainless and galvanized steel are durable, non-flammable and odorless, but at the same time they are more expensive.
By manufacturing method
According to the manufacturing method, the corrugated pipe intended for ventilation can be frame or spiral wound. An element of the first type is a metal frame covered with film or foil. Such air ducts are flexible enough and capable of returning to their original shape even after stretching. Corrugations of the second type are made from metal strips. In finished form, they can stretch two or three times, but they are not able to return to their original state. To give the desired shape to such pipes, efforts have to be made, while the traces of deformation will no longer be eliminated.
Scope of application
Each corrugated exhaust pipe has its own field of application, depending on its type. Plastic elements are used for laying electrical cables, most often they are corrugations with a diameter of 1.6-4 cm. Steel pipes are ideal for arranging heating systems due to the absence of installation problems. For ventilation systems, corrugated flexible pipes with a diameter of 10-15 cm are used. Textile air ducts are more suitable for installing communications in industrial premises, since they do not interfere with the rapid transfer of air inside the space.
Corrugated pipes made of polyethylene or plastic are best used to connect plumbing or water supply to washing machines or dishwashers.
Advantages and disadvantages
The corrugated pipe designed for extraction has many advantages that make such an element indispensable in the process of installation work. Before the appearance of exhaust corrugations, when installing rigid structures, it was necessary to order air ducts according to individual designs for specific premises. The list of the main advantages of corrugated pipes includes:
- long service life;
- affordable prices and no problems during installation;
- large selection of sizes;
- strength and ability to withstand high temperatures;
- optimal aerodynamic characteristics;
- light weight.
The list of disadvantages usually includes problems associated with cleaning the corrugation and its surface. The strength of the elements depends on the material of manufacture, since aluminum pipes are considered too soft, so their shape can be disturbed during careless maintenance and installation.
Main selection criteria
Corrugation metal or plastic for hoods should ideally fit a particular room. When choosing, you need to pay attention to the technical characteristics of the tube, the material from which it is made, as well as its compliance with the parameters of the room and the gas water heater or other equipment.
In addition to these criteria, quality, reliability and cost are equally important. Experts recommend taking into account the diameters of the corrugation itself and the hood, the length of the air duct, which should be the minimum possible, taking into account the fact that the creases of the tube cannot exceed an angle of 90 degrees.
Installation and assembly
The work on installing the duct is usually divided into two stages, including the preparation and implementation of the installation itself. At the preparation stage, the brand and dimensions of the tube are selected, as well as all the necessary tools, including an electric drill, a screwdriver, a hacksaw for metal, a pencil and a tape measure. The installation sequence consists of several standard steps:
- Make a markup before placing the hood and air duct gasket.
- Where the ventilation duct runs into the kitchen, a wall is drilled to accommodate the adapter or grill.
- In this area, an adapter is installed and fixed, on which the air duct will subsequently be attached.
- Next, you need to fasten the corrugation to the adapter using a clamp.
- The second end of the duct is put on the outlet from the hood and fixed to it with a clamp.
- The sections of the corrugation connection must be sealed with metal tape.
When the length of the tube is longer than necessary for connection, before installing the corrugation to a square or standard hood, adjust it using scissors or a hacksaw for metal. Installing the tube on the hood is not difficult if you follow the step-by-step instructions. Anyone can cope with such an operation without the help of installers and other specialists. The corrugation for the duct should be fixed as accurately as possible and according to the rules. You can make the hood yourself after studying the general rules for installation and operation.
A corrugation of 150 mm for a hood or a similar tube of a different size does not cause any difficulties during operation. It should be borne in mind that it is not so easy to clean. If this is not done, over time, a dense layer of dust, dust and grease can form inside the pipe.
Masking the corrugation for the hood
In addition to following all the installation rules, you need to take care of the aesthetic appearance of the tube, which can be carefully disguised taking into account the peculiarities of the interior. Most often, this is done using a decorative hood cover, if included. If this is not enough, it is better to choose a more optimal option. If there is a built-in type hood, the tube is hidden in wall cabinets or under a false ceiling. In rooms decorated in high-tech style, a metal pipe can be left in a conspicuous place, since in this case it will well complement the decor.
Sometimes the duct becomes a logical part of the overall composition and fits perfectly into the interior. In apartment buildings, the corrugations can be brought out into the common home ventilation channel. They are also masked using specially made drywall structures or covered with a box in whole or in part.
The camouflaged corrugation and the exhaust pipe should work without interruption, therefore, during the decoration process, it is important not to violate the general rules of installation and operation. After the expiration of the service life, the old corrugation is changed, therefore the decor must be such that dismantling can be carried out without completely disassembling the ventilation structure.
