Which Is Better – Rigid Ductwork or Flexible Ducts?

Flexible ductwork is generally installed in new houses these days because it costs less than sheet-metal ducts.

 Rosie on the House

Q: What’s the best kind of ductwork to do when building a new house? Should ducts be rigid metal or should you install flexible ducts?

A:Β Most of what’s being installed in new houses now is flexible ducts because they cost so much less than rigid, sheet-metal ductwork. The installation of hard ducts is also more difficult because they have to be wrapped in insulation and more transition points have to be made. Those transitions are where leaks tend to occur. The problem with flexible ducts is that installers have a tendency to make too many turns and bends as they run the ducts through the house. But both types of ductwork can work just fine if the ductwork is designed and installed correctly.

For more do-it-yourself tips, go to rosieonthehouse.com. An Arizona homebuilding and remodeling industry expert for 25 years, Rosie Romero is the host of the syndicated Saturday morning “Rosie on the House” radio program, heard locally from 8-11 a.m. on KNST-AM (790) in Tucson and KGVY-AM (1080) and -FM (100.7) in Green Valley. Call 888-767-4348.

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