Exhaust corrugation: ease of installation and ease of use

Corrugated pipes are quite popular, and the scope of their use is quite wide. Most often they are used to connect hoods to the ventilation system. The positive qualities are due to the high performance characteristics, and the main advantage is the ease of installation. The corrugation for the hood can be used for arranging chimneys or installing air ducts. This article will tell you about its types, characteristics, installation features.

What is a corrugation for a hood: structural features

The corrugation has gained its popularity due to its high efficiency as a connector between a ventilation duct and a ventilated device. It is characterized by ease of installation, which can be carried out even by an inexperienced craftsman without special tools. The correct size and shape is easily created due to the flexible characteristics of the corrugated pipe.

The corrugated pipe for ventilation has a rather simple structure: it consists of metal rings, which are covered with a thin layer of insulating material. Most often, this covering is made of several layers of laminated foil. In most cases, the pipe is cylindrical. There are types of products where the strips of the main material are simply twisted in a spiral. Depending on the type of model, the thickness of the strips can be 100, 120, 150 ml. They are reliably connected to each other by special locking seams, forming a tight connection.

Due to the compression of the links, the flexible outer layer folds into an "accordion", and when they are stretched, the pipe can increase several times. The softness of the frame allows not only to stretch the structure, but also to bend it at the desired angle. Long pipe can be made to serpentine, making it suitable for use in the most difficult to reach places. Corrugation is ideal for inconvenient placement of the ventilation system or in a small apartment.

Fundamental factors for the classification of corrugated pipes

Corrugated pipes are made from a variety of materials of various lengths, basic shapes and diameters. Plastic pipes are available in different colors. The price range is also quite wide. These major differences are at the heart of the flute classification. Product manufacturers offer a variety of models - from colored and thin transparent plastic to special stainless steel culverts. When choosing, it is necessary to be guided not only by external features, but also by the production characteristics and purpose of the product.

The scope of application of the corrugated pipe is very wide. Models with a large diameter (more than 3.5 m) are laid under highways and under the railways, where they function as reinforcing walls on culverts under embankments. Radically opposite thin models are used as insulation or for water drainage. An example would be an air conditioner flute.

Helpful advice! When choosing corrugation, you should pay attention not only to its color and harmony with the interior, but also to the corresponding type of pipe, which has a narrow purpose.

Structure and dimensions of metal, textile and plastic corrugations for hoods

According to the external structure, the corrugation can have the shape of a circle, rectangle or square. Various materials are used in the production of corrugated pipes. Their list is very wide:

• Cink Steel;
• stainless steel;
• aluminum foil;
• textile fiber;
• polyethylene of varying degrees of pressure, HDPE;
• polyvinyl chloride canvas.

Each of the types deserves special attention, since its direct purpose depends on the structure of the material and dimensions of the pipe. The most popular corrugation in this list is made of stainless steel or aluminum, which is most often used in the installation of home ventilation. Based on the production methods, corrugated pipes are divided into the following types:

1. Wireframe. They are a metal frame covered with foil or film. The flexibility of such ducts allows you to restore the original undeformed appearance.
2. Spiral-wound. They are in the form of metal tapes with medium flexibility. The product can be stretched twice as much, but after that it cannot be returned to its original position.

Polyethylene or plastic corrugation is applicable in the arrangement of plumbing, for example, for supplying water to various types of household appliances. In addition, corrugation is widely used in the installation of sewer ducts inside the apartment, in particular, under the bathroom or sinks.

Scope of application of corrugation: for ventilation, heating, chimney ducts

Different materials from which the product is made, and the size of the corrugation indicate its wide purpose in various fields. Thin, thin, but long plastic or polymer pipes are used in the installation of various networks. These can be electrical, telephone, television, power, and fiber-optic internet cables. For insulation of electrical wires, a corrugation with a diameter of 15 to 40 mm is used.

Less flexible corrugated metal is used in heating systems, because such pipes are quick and easy to install.A section of the required length can be easily bent in the right place without changing the diameter inside, which makes it possible to create a heating system in difficult and hard-to-reach areas.

Pipes with great flexibility are suitable for ventilation systems. The diameter of the corrugation for the hood corresponds to dimensions from 10 to 15 cm. Sometimes these indicators reach 20 and even over 30 cm. Such options are rather an exception, although they can be easily found in the trade sphere. The most common material for corrugation used in kitchen ventilation systems is aluminum foil. Less commonly in domestic conditions, plastic or stainless steel pipes are used.

Textile ducts are used to equip communication systems in industrial premises, because they do not impede free air circulation. They are widely used in meat processing plants or catering establishments.

Metal corrugated pipe: advantages and disadvantages

Aluminum, galvanized corrugations or stainless steel pipes are used for arranging air ducts both in industry and in domestic conditions. This is due to the reliability and strength of the metal.

Helpful advice! Aluminum corrugation is much cheaper than their counterparts made of galvanized metal or stainless steel, but solid pipes have a more presentable appearance.

The most popular metal in the list of corrugated pipes is aluminum, which is achieved due to its high resistance to temperature extremes. It can withstand frost of -30 ° C, does not burn or melt even at +250 ° C. This is the main advantage that allows the use of a corrugation for a gas column, but not the only one. Other advantages of the material are given below:

• strength and resistance to chemical attack;
• excellent aerodynamic properties;
• ease of installation, achieved due to flexibility and the ability to stretch the pipe to the desired length;
• ease of cut, since the desired length can be cut with ordinary scissors;
• a wide range of diameters of the required model (range is from 100 to 150 mm);
• durability;
• does not require additional protection from external influences, even on the front side;
• acceptable price.

Among the disadvantages of stainless steel and aluminum air ducts, it should be noted:

• catchy and rude appearance;
• excessive lightness, which leads to the formation of dents during installation;
• the inability to return to its original shape after stretching the pipe, which requires special care;
• difficulty in washing due to multiple folds on the corrugation;
• impossibility of dismantling, since the tightness may be broken.

Corrugation HDPE, plastic, PVC: performance and scope

The plastic corrugation for the hood is outwardly more presentable and less conspicuous, so there is no particular need to hide it. In addition, the material is lightweight and has a relatively long service life - over half a century. The advantages also include resistance to corrosion and aggressive agents.

The disadvantage of a corrugated PVC duct is that it is more noisy and less resistant to temperature influences. Plastic burns and melts easily, therefore it is not suitable as a material for the chimney of gas columns and boilers.

HDPE corrugation is a pipe made from special low-pressure polyethylene. It serves for laying drainage systems, as well as for protecting cables and wires. Depending on the purpose and characteristics, there are several subspecies of the product:

1. Lightweight HDPE corrugated hose is a single layer corrugated pipe.Its varieties are used for installing cable wiring or for pumping various liquids.
2. The weighted HDPE corrugated hose has a large section, which provides for its use in different operating conditions. For example, let's say installation in a screed made of cement mortar or immersion in the ground.
3. Double-walled HDPE pipe has a ribbed appearance and a smooth middle. Such a product is usually strong and ductile, and has high throughput rates.
4. Double-walled reinforced corrugation also has two layers of HDPE, but between them a special layer of metal is built in, which enhances its strength characteristics. Such a pipe can withstand severe loads and is characterized by high ring stiffness.

Helpful advice! The HDPE corrugated pipe cannot be installed as a hot water transport channel.

Exhaust air duct: the main criteria for a successful selection

Choosing the right pipe model requires an individual approach and a thorough study of all the features. In this case, the following basic criteria should be taken into account:

• the dimensions of the pipe, in particular its diameter and length;
• production material at the base of the corrugation;
• product quality;
• cost.

In order not to miscalculate with the diameter of the connecting pipe, you must carefully study the instructions that come with the hoods. For greater confidence, you can measure the diameter. Failure to comply with the recommendations can have irreversible consequences when even very expensive equipment will not function properly. Standard diameters of pipes installed on hoods are 10, 12, 12.5 and 15 cm. Other sizes are much less common, but are still on sale. Most often, hood manufacturers provide parameters corresponding to 100 and 120 mm, and they are indicated in the installation and operation manual of the equipment.

Often, the manufacturer also sells an air duct together with ventilation equipment. This is ideal if the length of the pipe fits the size of the kitchen. Otherwise, you will have to buy a product of the appropriate size. It is advisable to measure the length before buying a pipe. A regular tape measure is suitable for this purpose. Measurements are made from the exhaust pipe to the entrance to the ventilation shaft, observing the strict trajectory of the future pipe run.

Do not forget that the corrugation is capable of stretching and bending. For some models, this parameter corresponds to 180 °, which allows you to select the optimal ventilation path. It is also worth considering that the installation of the pipe is already carried out in a stretched form.

Quality and material as selection criteria for corrugation: metal or plastic

The material from which the ventilation duct is made is of great importance. In particular, the advantages and disadvantages of metal and plastic products listed above should be considered. In particular, it is necessary to remember about the high noise production of plastic products, but it is also necessary to emphasize their high aesthetic characteristics, which allow the installation of the pipe when its masking is difficult.

Related article:

Plastic boxes for ventilation: the key to efficient operation of the entire system

Varieties of products and their advantages. Features of the choice of polymer air ducts and fittings for them. Installation of a plastic box.

The most acceptable option is an aluminum corrugation for the hood, which is a multi-layer product made of polyester and aluminum interlayers. Steel in the form of a spiral serves as a reinforcement, which sets the required degree of rigidity and the direction of the pipe. Aluminum products inside can be smooth or corrugated.The smooth surface creates an increased level of aerodynamics, which makes it advisable to install them on long runs with few bends, but such material is less flexible. The corrugated tube is less aerodynamic, but more flexible, which allows it to set the most complex trajectory.

Helpful advice! At the time of purchase, it should be noted that the initial length of the ventilation corrugation is 60-70 cm, but when stretched it reaches three meters.

When choosing a pipe for extraction, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer and the quality of the material. To this end, it is worth asking about the availability of a quality certificate for products and a warranty period. It is also necessary to visually examine the purchased material, excluding the presence of dents and other visible damage. It is better to refuse to purchase a product of a dubious type and look for a more acceptable option.

The price of a corrugation for a hood: what should be considered in order not to overpay

Before buying, it is advisable to study the various offers on the construction market. Otherwise, you can simply pay extra money for a product of questionable quality. Better not to be lazy, go shopping and get acquainted with the price options on the Internet. Accurate measurement of the duct will help to avoid unnecessary costs, then you will not have to pay for extra centimeters of material.

It is important to consider where the corrugation is used. On the street, where the duct is used as supply ventilation, providing heating or cooling, a model with a heat-insulating layer should be preferred. The price of a corrugation with insulation will be slightly higher, while guaranteeing not only high temperature resistance, but also a low level of noise produced in the system. Mineral wool serves as an insulator in such models. Thus, the pipe is a sandwich of an inner and outer aluminum layer and a mineral wool interlayer. Therefore, the use of insulated corrugation is important in places where high noise levels are unacceptable.

In everyday life, flexible pipes are most often used to connect the kitchen exhaust device to the ventilation duct through which the exhaust air exits. Usually this is an aluminum corrugation for a 120 mm hood, the price of such a product ranges from 140 to 180 rubles per linear meter. m.

It is advisable to buy a corrugation for the hood 120 mm with a small margin of length, taking into account turns and bends. At the same time, you should not buy an excessively long product, since during installation it must be stretched as much as possible, which will reduce the ribbing of the corrugation. And the fewer the ribs, the weaker the vibration and the less noise coming from the operating system.

The procedure for installing a pipe for an exhaust: the subtleties of installation, tools and materials

It is better to purchase all materials together with corrugation, which will allow you not to miscalculate in size and quantity. Before you go to the store, you should take control measurements. And it is better to select the corrugation of such a size that it is easy to disguise the structure. The most convenient way to place an air duct is when it is completely hidden under a false ceiling, panels or in a cabinet.

Helpful advice! If the purchased pipe turns out to be shorter than the required length, then it can be increased by connecting it to a section of another pipe. For this, the parts are connected with metal tape. It should be remembered that the fewer connections, the higher the reliability of the design, since each adapter provides additional resistance to flow.

Connecting the corrugated pipe to the hood on one side and to the ventilation duct on the other is a job that even a novice craftsman can do.To organize the process, it is necessary to prepare additional materials and tools in advance. For work you will need:

• corrugated pipe of the appropriate diameter and length;
• 2 clamps;
• aluminum tape;
• lattice with a check valve;
• silicone based sealant;
• adapters (if it is necessary to connect a round pipe with a square or rectangular inlet at the hood);
• adapters of a smaller or larger diameter are purchased only if absolutely necessary, when the required size is not found, otherwise this will reduce the productivity of the hood.

Before starting installation work, it is advisable to clean the ventilation duct and check the draft. This can be done by attaching a piece of paper to the hole. If it is held by gravity, then you can proceed to the installation work. The presence of reverse draft not only reduces the efficiency of the entire ventilation system several times, but can also pose a threat to health.

Installing the corrugation on the hood: preparation and important details

To ensure reliable and long-term operation of the ventilation system, a number of important points must be taken into account before installation and during installation. If the diameter of the corrugated pipe does not correspond to the outlet at the hood, then it is better to purchase a wider corrugation by connecting it to the device with a special adapter. This method will have a positive effect, since increasing the diameter will help to reduce the air flow rate, while reducing the noise in the pipe.

Even before installing the corrugation, a special interlayer with a grate, a flange and a return valve is installed in the opening of the ventilation system. This will prevent the pipe from completely blocking the hood. The lattice partition will provide natural ventilation of the room, and the flange will provide forced ventilation. Thus, the kitchen air will be constantly circulated and refreshed regardless of the hood operation. If there is another ventilation hole in the kitchen, you can attach the pipe to one of them tightly, and equip the other with a grate.

The corrugation is fixed using special fasteners-clamps made of metal or plastic. Do not use glue or sealant to shrink the pipe, as this will make it impossible to further dismantle the pipe for cleaning or replacement.

When installing the structure, you need to make sure that there are as few turns with corners as possible, as this impairs the operation of the system. Each sharp corner reduces the production capacity by about 10%. Therefore, the hood should be located as close to the ventilation opening as possible.

Helpful advice! You should buy an air duct after purchasing the hood. It is this equipment that is the starting point in determining the pipe diameter, and the correct choice will affect the efficiency and quality of the entire system.

How to install corrugation on a hood in the kitchen: stages of work

Installation of corrugations involves certain stages and a clear sequence in the work, which include:

1. Drawing up a diagram and creating a drawing with markup. The design is carried out taking into account the placement of kitchen furniture and other additional equipment. The project clearly conveys the entire trajectory of the future duct and allows you to calculate the exact amount of required materials.
2. Adjustment of corrugations and other elements to the appropriate dimensions specified in the project. If necessary, cut the pipe with scissors or a hacksaw.
3. Installation of a reducer of a universal size on the throat of the hood. The device will help you mount a pipe of different diameters. The best option for a kitchen ventilation system is a 120 mm hood corrugation.
4. The connection of the finned pipe with the exhaust socket. The gearbox is fixed with a sealant, a sleeve is put on it and fastened with a clamp with a special screw.
5. Stretching the corrugation to the desired length and shaping its trajectory.
6. Fixing the ventilation duct to the wall. Special brackets with clamps should be installed every meter of pipe length. This step is necessary if the ventilation duct is located at a considerable distance from the hood. This will prevent swaying and excessive vibration of the pipe during operation of the exhaust system.
7. Installing a grill on the ventilation hole. A prerequisite is the presence of a flange and a check valve on it. Fix it with self-tapping screws.
8. Corrugated mesh connection. To do this, the pipe is inserted into the flange, and the joint is fixed with a clamp.
9. Connecting the hood to the network and checking the operation of the ventilation system.

Features of connecting the exhaust pipes to each other

Ideally, the ventilation duct should be located at a distance of up to 2 m from the hood. Otherwise, the efficiency of the exhaust device decreases, which implies the purchase of more powerful and, accordingly, expensive equipment. If a close distance to the well is not possible, then it is recommended to resort to the pipe extension option.

The simplest and at the same time the most reliable way of connecting several pipes to each other is the method using aluminum tape. For this, point joining of the edges of the air ducts and fixing the junction with tape are made. The adhesive tape will ensure a reliable connection of 2 parts of the pipe and protect the channel from depressurization. Finned tubes can also be joined using clamps. To do this, the edges of both parts are pre-applied sealant, then connect them and fix them with a screw on a clamp.

In the case of an extended duct, it is especially important to select the hood with the optimum performance. You can check it with a special device (anemometer) by installing it in the base of the pipe. In this case, the pipe and socket of the hood must match, otherwise you cannot do without an adapter.

Helpful advice! Although the flute is flexible, it is best to avoid unnecessary bending, which can negatively affect system performance by increasing the load on the fan. Deteriorate ventilation performance and use of inappropriate pipe size. It is much more difficult for the hood to push air through the smaller diameter stroke, narrower adapter flange and additional joints.

How to hide corrugation from the hood in the kitchen: secrets of disguise

Quite often, it is the pipes under the ceiling with a noticeable and peculiar shine that spoil the stylish and harmonious look in the new kitchen, so the final process in installing corrugated pipes is their masking. This process has no functional background, but is considered an important condition for the aesthetic design of the kitchen.

Inventive builders and furniture manufacturers (if the set is made to order) can offer several advantageous options at once, allowing you to hide unpresentable pipes. The most popular ones are:

• use of a special plastic box;
• construction of a plasterboard structure;
• masking pipes with a suspended or stretch ceiling;
• build-in hoods and pipes into kitchen cabinets;
• coating pipes with paint or other decorative elements.

A creative solution can be a loft-style kitchen design, when the corrugation is not hidden, but on the contrary, they focus on it.Experienced modern designers will tell you how to correctly beat the shiny corrugated pipe in the interior so that it does not spoil the appearance of the kitchen, but, on the contrary, becomes its decoration and highlight. Fans of classic styles should choose one of the disguise methods. How to implement each of them, we will consider below.

We mask the corrugated pipe for extraction into boxes

One of the most popular options for masking corrugation is a special plastic box. It is sold in hardware stores. Manufacturers offer a wide range of models, designs and colors, which allows it to fit into any interior. Sometimes such designs are decorated with original lighting, creating additional comfort. This option is most often used in the case of a close location of the ventilation shaft and in the absence of right angles.

You can hide the air duct under a structure made of plasterboard sheets, which is designed to perform not only a masking, but also a decorative function. Placing a curly and original composition under the ceiling will give the interior a special elegance, and the room - additional comfort. At the same time, the drywall box should not stand out particularly in the interior, so as not to create the impression of a cluttered space. Decorating the structure is done using the same materials that are used for the entire kitchen.

Masking with drywall sheets is performed in several stages. First, a crate is created according to the dimensions of the pipe, for this you can use ordinary metal profiles. Next, the frame is sheathed with plasterboard sheets and fixed on one side to the wall, and on the other to the ceiling. The box can be of various dimensions and looks good as an addition to a suspended ceiling, consisting of several levels, which is also mounted from plasterboard.

Helpful advice! When creating a camouflage structure, you should remember about the problems that may occur during the operation of the air duct. In order to eliminate them, you will have to dismantle the box behind which the pipes are hidden.

How to hide ventilation corrugation under the ceiling

In addition to the plasterboard ceiling structure, you can simply hide the chimney above the suspended ceiling. But in this case, it will descend to a distance equal to the diameter of the corrugation, which is at least 120 mm, plus the thickness of the material itself and gaps of several millimeters. In the same way, there is a disguise under a stretch ceiling. If, in the case of a suspension system, the space is stolen, then the glossy surface of the tensioning structure will visually increase it due to its reflective properties.

Thanks to this advantage, the ceiling option is considered the most successful. The main nuance lies in the impossibility of partial dismantling of the ceiling in the event of a breakdown in the system. Then it will be necessary to change the entire structure, and this will entail considerable financial costs. The stretch ceiling will simply have to be reinstalled.

The most economical option for masking the exhaust pipe is ordinary painting. It is enough to choose a color in harmony with the overall interior. It is important to choose shades that are not very bright and catchy, so as not to draw too much attention to the pipe. Another budget option is to glue the pipe with leftover materials from the decor. However, this design will look less aesthetically pleasing.

Hood corrugation disguised in a wall cabinet

A modern option for masking air ducts is the use of hinged kitchen cabinets. This is the most acceptable method for concealing built-in hoods. You can lay a pipe in the space between the wall cabinets and the ceiling, decorating the distance with a raised door or a wide strip of appropriate material.

However, most often, the hood, along with the pipe, is hidden directly in the headset cabinet. At the same time, there is still enough space in the middle of the hanging furniture for placing kitchen items and dishes. In this case, it would be more appropriate to manufacture custom-made furniture, where the masking of the pipe is provided for by the headset project. The module is designed in such a way that it is possible to trim the side and rear walls to the required size, and the cabinet facades will serve as the main masking element. As a result, the headset fits harmoniously into the interior and looks organic. It is quite easy to replace and dismantle pipes in such a structure.

A hanging cabinet located directly above the hob is often used to install (inside it) circulation-type hoods. In this case, only the housing of the ventilation equipment will need to be hidden, only the control panel will remain outside. The absence of a pipe means using the space in the cupboard for storing kitchen utensils.

Helpful advice! Under the hood, as a rule, they take a rounded corrugation. Rectangular air ducts are used in production or warehouses.

Tips and tricks necessary for the installation and purchase of corrugated hoods

The end result of the installation work is the flawless functioning of the entire ventilation system. To achieve it, experts recommend adhering to a number of rules:

1. In cases where the ventilation hole is located at a considerable distance from the hood, it is better to place the pipe under the ceiling itself, which will eliminate the presence of sharp corners in the structure and, as a result, ensure reliable and efficient operation of the system. It is better to hide such a structure under a false ceiling.
2. It is necessary to take a responsible approach to the choice of the diameter of the corrugation: a narrow pipe will lead to a greater load on the fan and worsen its operation.
3. For round hoods, it is impractical to buy a pipe with a rectangular section. This will negatively affect the efficiency of the system and will require the installation of additional adapters, which, in turn, will also reduce the permeability of the air duct.
4. Aluminum corrugation is a versatile material, since there is no need to worry about pipe overheating. It can be used for channels for the outflow of combustion products when installing gas water heaters or heating boilers. At the same time, the heating devices themselves will work for a long time and efficiently.
5. Steel pipes are used to equip fireplaces, stoves or other heating systems.
6. You should not save on buying a pipe. The better the product, the longer the ventilation system will work.
7. Incorrect operation of a drain pipe made of poor-quality material can contribute to the ingress of carbon monoxide into an apartment and entail sad consequences.
8. The length of the duct should not be more than 3 m, and its bends should not exceed 90 °.

Recommendations for the care of the corrugated pipe for ventilation

Caring for plastic pipes with smooth walls is pretty simple. They are easy to disassemble and clean, both outside and inside. More complicated is the process of cleaning and washing the aluminum foil pipe. The main reason for the difficulties is its embossed surface, which serves as an excellent place for the accumulation of dirt, grease and carbon deposits. All contamination is very difficult to remove even with the use of special abrasive products. The best option is a banal replacement of the air duct after several years of operation.

Given the low cost of corrugation, it is considered an affordable and reliable solution to the issue of arranging a ventilation system. If installed correctly, there shouldn't be any problems at all.It is important to strictly follow the recommendations of the manufacturers and listen to the advice of professionals. Caring for the outer part of the product is quite problematic, so it is better to resort to the disguise option.

Helpful advice! The service life of the plastic smooth duct is much longer due to its high performance characteristics. At the same time, it costs an order of magnitude more and is not suitable for installation with heating devices.

After 7-10 years, an impressive plaque forms inside the product, which cannot be removed in any way. Therefore, after this service life, the corrugation simply needs to be replaced. If the pipe path consists of many bends, then the effective service life is approximately halved. Dismantling and installation of a new system is carried out according to the instructions described above.

Correct and deliberate choice of air duct, as well as its sequential installation in accordance with the instructions, directly affect the quality of the ventilation system and its service life. Careful operation and timely pipe replacement are equally important. Even a rather long corrugated aluminum pipe will not spoil the overall appearance of the kitchen if the ventilation system is properly masked. The combination of all these factors guarantees the durability and reliability of the service of such a primitive, at first glance, product as a corrugation for a hood.