Corrugated hood: how to choose and install a corrugated pipe for ventilation

Many types of repair work can be carried out on your own. And connecting the hood to the ventilation system is one of these cases.Agree that even an inexperienced home craftsman can handle this important stage.

Especially when aluminum corrugated hood is used as an air duct. This type of building material does not require many years of experience and special knowledge during installation.

But you don’t know where to start and how to choose the right corrugated pipe? We will help you decide on the type of material and cope with this type of installation work - the article discusses the types of corrugation, its features and scope of application.

The subtleties of choosing a corrugated air duct for connecting an exhaust hood are covered and step-by-step installation instructions are provided. The material is supplemented with visual photos of individual stages of corrugation installation and video recommendations from specialists.

Classification and use of corrugation

Corrugated pipe is presented on the building materials market in a wide variety of options - these are small-diameter colored models made of plastic and serious water-permeable corrugations made of stainless steel. Material, size, color, price - all this for any buyer.

It is difficult for a novice home craftsman to choose exactly what is ideal for solving the problems that arise.

Types of corrugated pipes

One of the convenient and simple solutions for the kitchen is to use a corrugated pipe for connecting the hood to the ventilation system.

In order to buy exactly what you need, not to get lost among a large number of offers and not to overpay for an air duct, you need to understand a little about the main types and purpose of corrugations.

Any color or material of corrugation
Due to inexperience, you can choose a completely different type of pipe for ventilation, choosing a color or material that will harmoniously fit into the interior

Corrugation is actively used by builders and home craftsmen as an important element in arranging communications.

Its popularity is due to its high strength, variety of sizes and materials, and long service life.

Large diameter corrugated pipes
Large diameter corrugated pipes of 3.0-3.6 m can often be seen under roads and railway tracks. They are installed to perform a culvert function

In appearance, corrugation can be rectangular or round. For a kitchen hood, buy a round air duct.

Rectangular corrugation options
Corrugated versions with a rectangular cross-section are more often used in production and warehouse premises

You can often find corrugated pipes made from the following materials:

  • Cink Steel;
  • stainless steel;
  • aluminum;
  • textile;
  • high and low pressure polyethylene;
  • polyvinyl chloride

The scope of application depends on the type of material and diameter of the finished product. For the installation of domestic ventilation, corrugated aluminum and stainless steel are often purchased.

Plastic corrugation
The plastic corrugation connecting the hood to the ventilation duct creates more noise than its aluminum counterpart

According to the manufacturing method, corrugated pipes are divided into:

  • frame;
  • spiral-wound.

The first type of product is a metal frame covered with aluminum foil or polymer film.

These are flexible air ducts. They have the ability to return to their original appearance without deformation after stretching the corrugation to its full length.

Spiral-wound corrugation
Spiral-wound corrugation is made from stainless and galvanized steel and aluminum. It costs significantly more than frame analogues

The second type of air ducts is made from metal strips.The finished product is half flexible - it can stretch 2-3 times, but cannot return to its original state.

You will have to make an effort to give such a pipe the desired shape, and traces of deformation will be clearly visible.

Many manufacturers offer flexible corrugation with and without thermal insulation. The first option allows you to expand the scope of use of the products.

Thus, with the help of four-layer flexible pipes, ventilation ducts can be laid both indoors and outdoors. And the distance will not be of fundamental importance.

Thermal insulated corrugated pipe
In the manufacture of thermally insulated products, mineral wool or glass wool is used

Scope and nuances of application

A wide variety of corrugated pipes, significantly different in size and type of material, eloquently demonstrates the various areas of use of this building material.

Semi-flexible pipes of small diameter, made of plastic and polymers, are actively used when laying electrical cables.

This can be a channel for telephone, computer, power and other wires. Most often, electricians use corrugation with a diameter of 1.6 to 4 cm.

Semi-flexible corrugation made of galvanized or stainless steel has become one of the current options when arranging a heating system. In practice, this type of pipe is easier to install.

The ability, if necessary, to bend any segment without violating the internal diameter of the product helps to easily go around corners and other difficult areas during installation.

Stainless steel corrugation
Galvanized and stainless steel corrugations are much more expensive than their aluminum counterparts. But pipes made of good quality material look aesthetically pleasing

Flexible types of corrugated pipes are used for ventilation systems. The diameter most often used for domestic ventilation is from 10 to 15 cm. There are cases when a pipe with a diameter of 20, 30 or more cm is required. Although these are not common sizes, finding the required option is also not difficult.

As for the material of the products, the corrugation purchased by craftsmen for arranging ventilation in the kitchen is flexible and made of aluminum foil. Options with plastic material and stainless steel are used less frequently in everyday life.

Flexible pipe design
The popularity of the flexible design is due to the ease of installation. The price is quite reasonable and meets the requirements put forward for this product by buyers.

Textile ventilation ducts are used for arranging communications in industrial premises. They do not interfere with the very rapid transmission of air in the room.

It is this feature that promotes their use in meat processing plants, catering and other types of premises.

Fabric ventilation ducts
Fabric ventilation ducts can be quickly and easily dismantled. They are not difficult to clean and disinfect

Plastic and polyethylene corrugation is used to connect plumbing fixtures, water supply to washing machines, dishwashers and other equipment.

When installing a sewer system, you can’t do without a corrugated pipe. Especially in difficult areas where the use of a rigid structure may be difficult.

Guidelines for choosing the right pipe

The large selection of plastic air ducts offered by sellers can create certain difficulties when choosing the appropriate pipe option when arranging ventilation.

Therefore, to buy the right product, you should be guided by the following parameters:

  • diameter and length;
  • product material;
  • quality;
  • price.

The diameter must correspond to the recommendations given in the instructions for the purchased hood model.

If you choose a larger or smaller option, then expensive equipment may, at best, not cope with its functions of removing odors from the kitchen, and at worst, it may burn out from overvoltage.

Corrugation measurement
When you go to the store to buy corrugation, you need to carefully study the technical characteristics of the hood, and before purchasing, do not hesitate to measure the product

There is no need to ignore the recommendations given by the manufacturer. Sometimes an air duct is supplied with the hood. It’s great if it fits in a particular case - the length will be sufficient and the material will suit you.

Otherwise, you will have to visit the building materials market yourself and purchase a more suitable option.

Another situation is when, along with the hood, they offer to immediately buy corrugation. Here you need to be extremely careful, because the seller does not always care about the client’s comfort.

He may offer a product that is stale or too expensive. In this case, the length must be measured in advance so as not to buy extra meters, trusting the experience of the seller.

 Flexible pipe for ventilation
The flexible pipe for ventilation in its original form has a length of 60-70 cm. But it stretches by 3 meters. This is worth considering when purchasing

The length of the corrugation required to connect the hood to the ventilation duct is measured with a tape measure. The measurement must be taken from the entrance to the hood pipe to the entrance to the wall. The path you should choose is the one that is to be repeated by the pipe.

It should be taken into account that the corrugation may bend, depending on the technical parameters specified by the manufacturer. For example, 180 degrees.

The ability to bend at the desired angle allows you to create the most optimal path. The pipe will be installed in a stretched state. This point should be taken into account.

The second parameter that influences the choice is the material of the product. Sometimes the color matches the plastic version. In this case, you need to be aware of the greater noise generated by the duct. If this issue is not fundamental, then the range of models can be expanded.

Polyethylene transparent corrugation
Polyethylene corrugation is not used for ventilation. These products, depending on the diameter, are suitable for transporting and pumping bulk and liquid substances

To ensure that your purchase does not disappoint, do not forget about documents confirming the quality of the purchased product. Don’t be embarrassed to ask the seller for a certificate of quality and manufacturer’s warranty.

In addition to the document, you should carefully inspect the corrugation - there should be no dents or suspicious scratches.

Do not be afraid to stretch the flexible pipe to its full length and check it for gaps or holes - there should be none. If the corrugation is of dubious quality, then it is better to refuse to purchase it.

Flexible pipe stretched
The flexible pipe will be installed in the ventilation system in a stretched form. Therefore, you need to carefully examine it in this condition before purchasing it.

Price also matters. It’s good to study similar offers from other manufacturers before purchasing so as not to overpay. Also, knowing the required length of the air duct will significantly help save money.

When choosing, you should consider where exactly the corrugation will be used.If you plan to install it outdoors or in fresh air ventilation systems where there will be heating/cooling, then you should pay attention to models with thermal insulation.

It is more convenient to buy a finished product than to insulate a flexible pipe yourself.

In domestic conditions, corrugation is most often used in the construction of ventilation ducts that remove exhaust air from the kitchen, and in connecting exhaust devices.

With steps hood devices with air duct in the kitchen The following selection introduces the use of corrugated pipes:

You might also be interested in material about varieties plastic pipes for kitchen hood.

Subtleties of installation and installation

Process connecting the corrugation to the hood and ventilation system It will be within the power of a home handyman.

To complete this job, you will need to take:

The last point is useful when the hood has a square or rectangular pipe, and the corrugation is round.

Adapters for smaller and larger diameters
Adapters for smaller and larger diameters are available for sale. They should be used only when necessary, so as not to reduce the performance of the exhaust equipment.

It is good to buy all the necessary parts together with the corrugated pipe.

This will prevent you from making a mistake with the number of spare parts needed.

Accessories for air duct installation
All components for future installation of the air duct should be selected by first taking measurements at the site of the upcoming installation

If you need to connect 2 or more flexible pipes together, you can use aluminum tape.

It connects the material of metal air ducts well, provided that it is carefully glued to the surface.

Aluminum tape
Aluminum tape can not only connect 2 corrugations together, but also seal an accidentally torn hole

The corrugated pipe will have to be stretched to its full length. In this state, one end must be attached to the outlet pipe of the hood.

For fastening you will need to use a metal pipe and sealant.

Installation of corrugations
The sealant should only be applied to a dry and clean surface. Otherwise, he will not be able to reliably close the joints

Then, every 1.0 meter vertically or 1.5 meters horizontally when laying the corrugation, you need to install additional clamps. These devices will ensure proper fastening of the air duct.

If the ventilation hole is only 0.5-0.8 meters away, then there is no need to install any additional clamps.

Don't make sharp corners
If the ventilation duct is long, you should not make sharp corners - each of them will reduce the performance of the hood by 10%.

If the ventilation entrance is more than 3 meters away, then you need to choose a more powerful hood model or run a corrugated pipe in a straight line under the ceiling to shorten the path. After all, the longer the channel, the more powerful the equipment should be.

Having installed additional clamps, all that remains is to connect the corrugation to the ventilation hole by inserting its second end into the corresponding hole in the wall grille.

Wall grilles for ventilation
Wall-mounted ventilation grilles are available with or without a built-in check valve

The joints between the grate and the pipe should also be thoroughly treated using sealant. Now we need to check the quality of the installation. To do this, you need to turn on the hood and attach a sheet of paper - if it is attracted, then everything is mounted perfectly. So you can start decorating.

The decorative casing of the hood itself can be used as decoration.

Sometimes this is clearly not enough. Then the owners use their imagination, choosing the most optimal option, for example, hiding the pipe in wall cabinets. What is especially important for built-in type hood.

The ventilation duct is hidden in a plastic box
Sometimes the ventilation duct is hidden in a plastic box. If you also install lighting in it, then no one will guess about the metal corrugation inside.

Depending on the style of the kitchen interior, the corrugated pipe can be hidden under the suspended ceiling. If the furniture in the room is in high-tech style, then the metal corrugation will organically fit into the overall picture.

It happens that the air duct fits perfectly into the interior of the kitchen, being a logical continuation and not getting out of the overall composition.

Good reasons to replace the pipe

Corrugation is an inexpensive and very worthy solution to the problem of arranging ventilation at home. If it is installed correctly, there will be no problems with use. The main thing is to follow the recommendations specified by the product manufacturer.

You don’t have to take special care of the corrugated air duct. One unpleasant thing is that it is very inconvenient to get dust out of the walls. Over time, after 8-10 years, a rather thick coating of particles of fat, soot, and dust forms inside the pipe. It will not be possible to clean it. The only way out is to install a new corrugation.

If you compare the service life of 10 years with the cost of a new ventilation duct, then replacement does not seem like a problem at all.

Replacing old corrugation
When replacing, you must first dismantle the old pipe and then install a new one

When dismantling, you must perform all the steps as during installation, only in reverse order.

After removing the pipe, you need to thoroughly clean the joints, clean the ventilation grille, or replace it altogether. Then perform all the steps to install the new corrugation.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video clip on how to connect an air duct in the kitchen - features of using a corrugated pipe:

Metallized corrugation, used as an air duct in a kitchen hood, can be hidden behind a decorative casing.

This video instruction will help you correctly connect it to the hood:

A visual video about additional parts used when connecting a corrugated pipe to a hood:

Video review of flexible corrugated aluminum pipe:

An interesting video about how air ducts are made from aluminum foil:

Having understood the features of choosing and installing corrugations, you can save money by doing everything yourself. These works do not require special skills and professional tools, which allows you to do without calling specialists.

A high-quality corrugated pipe, correctly connected to the hood, can provide kitchen ventilation for at least the next 10 years.

If you have installed a corrugated air duct in your kitchen yourself, installed a decorative box to disguise it, or have knowledge about choosing the best air duct for a kitchen hood, please share your experience in the comments below the article.

Visitor comments
  1. Igor

    Corrugation, of course, saves. You just need to immediately warn against the mistakes that many make. You should not connect your hood above the stove to the ventilation in the kitchen using corrugations. It's not just that ventilation should be left unoccupied, but also that in our homes they are designed incorrectly and operate on natural inflow. By the way, as an option, the corrugation can be replaced with plastic boxes with corners and adapters. It looks more aesthetically pleasing, and it is easier to hide such structures in niches.

  2. Egor

    It’s in vain that Igor writes that you can’t occupy a vent. hole in the kitchen hood. The connected hood, even with the fan turned off, perfectly ventilates the room. And even vice versa - a draft is created in the hood, which is only beneficial. By the way, geysers are connected with the same sleeve. The aluminum sleeve perfectly withstands high temperatures from a 20-kilowatt heating pad.

  3. Denis

    Why are you “spouting” about some kind of appearance and beauty? What about fire safety standards and material properties? Who are SNIPs for?

    • Expert
      Alexey Dedyulin
      Expert

      Of course, water! How can you sacrifice the performance of a hood ventilation system and safety standards in favor of aesthetics? This is stupid and irresponsible!

      But even for cases when it is necessary to make a hidden installation of corrugation, there are ready-made practical solutions. For example, built-in hoods, a false panel for corrugation, etc. I am generally silent about geysers, since in this case there is definitely corrugation and no plastic joints, not even plastic ventilation ducts.For a kitchen hood, plastic air ducts are suitable, but I would advise choosing aluminum solutions.

  4. mih

    For exhaust, especially hot gases, you should always use only metal pipes and metal corrugations, so that the pursuit of economy and aesthetics does not turn into a fire. There are some nuances in using home ventilation to supply a corrugated pipe from the hood - first you need to check whether the home ventilation is working well, and how it changes with wind changes (since it happens that when the wind direction changes, it blows from the vent breeze). This is so as not to embarrass users.

    Ventilation of the boiler outside also needs to be done wisely, because... In multi-storey buildings, it happens that carbon monoxide from the boiler exhaust is blown into the windows of neighbors on the floor above by the breeze. SNiPs and GOSTs are not something that can be “bypassed” if inconvenient, because these rules are the result of thinking through safety or bitter experience.

    • Yulik

      Well, I don’t know, for example, I have a hood with a check valve, i.e. even if somehow magically the air begins to leak in a different direction, it will not pass. And the boiler exhaust goes right up to the roof level, I see no reason to worry about this. Well, that is if the house itself is made more or less wisely.

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