Aluminium Ducting

Aluminium ducting is flexible ductwork made from full aluminium construction with a concertina wall and integrated wire helix — heat resistant to around 250°C, corrosion resistant, and the standard choice wherever the extracted air is hot, greasy or carries moisture. We stock Systemair flexible aluminium ducting in 102mm, 152mm and 406mm diameters, all supplied in 10m lengths. In stock with next-day delivery available. Trade quotes and bulk pricing: email hello@efans.co.uk or call 0161 818 2050.

All Ducting / Flexible Ducting / Spiral Ducting / Rigid Ducting

What is aluminium ducting used for?

Aluminium ducting is used anywhere flexible ducting is needed but the extract or supply air is too hot, greasy or corrosive for lighter combi-type ducting. The most common applications are cooker hood extract (domestic and commercial), warm-air extract from workshops, plant room ventilation, laboratory fume extract, and high-temperature extract from commercial kitchens. Its full aluminium construction handles continuous operating temperatures up to around 250°C and shrugs off the grease, moisture and condensate that would quickly break down polyester-laminate combi ducting.

How is aluminium ducting different from combi ducting?

Combi ducting uses an aluminium / polyester laminate wall with a wire helix — lightweight, cheap, and fine for clean, cool extract air such as bathroom fans. Full aluminium ducting has no polyester layer, so there's nothing to melt, degrade or release fumes at elevated temperature. For cooker hoods and any warm or greasy extract, aluminium is the correct specification. Combi is not rated for cooker hood use in most manufacturer documentation — always check the product temperature rating against the appliance manufacturer's requirement.

What sizes of aluminium ducting do you stock?

We stock Systemair flexible aluminium ducting in 102mm, 152mm and 406mm diameters, all in 10m lengths. 102mm is standard for domestic cooker hoods, tumble dryers and small bathroom extract. 152mm suits larger kitchen extracts and higher-flow commercial bathroom or utility extract. 406mm is used on commercial kitchen hoods, industrial extract, warehouse ventilation and larger AHU connections. Other sizes (125mm, 160mm, 200mm, 250mm, 315mm) can be ordered to stock — contact us for availability and bulk pricing.

Can aluminium ducting be used for cooker hoods?

Yes — full aluminium ducting is the correct product for cooker hood extract. Cooker hood extract air contains grease, moisture and heat, and the duct run needs to tolerate all three. Aluminium's 250°C temperature rating covers any normal domestic or commercial kitchen use, and the smooth-ish internal wall (compared to combi's fabric-backed inner) is less prone to grease build-up. For long runs, specify full rigid ducting for the main run with short aluminium flexible sections for the final connections. Always install to the appliance manufacturer's duct length, diameter and bend count requirements.

What temperature can aluminium ducting handle?

Full aluminium flexible ducting is rated for continuous operating temperatures up to around 250°C, with short-term peaks higher. That covers all normal cooker hood, tumble dryer and warm-air extract applications. For higher temperatures (solid-fuel flue gases, industrial kiln extract, process ovens) aluminium flexible is not suitable — those require stainless steel flue liner or purpose-made high-temperature ducting. Check the operating temperature of your appliance against the ducting spec before installing.

How do I install and join aluminium ducting?

Push the aluminium duct over the spigot of the fan, rigid duct or terminal and secure with a worm-drive hose clamp. For grease-bearing extract (cooker hoods, commercial kitchen) a clamp plus a bead of high-temperature duct sealant is recommended to prevent leaks. Pull the duct taut before clamping — concertina slack traps grease and condensate and wrecks airflow. Support horizontal runs with banding straps or saddle clips every 600mm. For external termination, transition to rigid or spiral ducting before the wall and use an appropriate weatherproof cowl or louvre.

Can aluminium ducting be used outside?

No. Flexible aluminium ducting is not UV-stable or weatherproof for exposed external use — sunlight and weather will eventually degrade it. For the external section of any duct run, transition to rigid aluminium spiral, galvanised steel spiral, or PVC rigid ducting before the external wall, and terminate with a weatherproof wall louvre or roof cowl. Short external connections (for example, to an external wall grille within a protected eaves detail) may be acceptable but should still be kept out of direct weather exposure.

Benefits of aluminium ducting

Aluminium offers strength, corrosion resistance, and low weight—providing excellent durability and ease of handling. Smooth internal surfaces reduce pressure drops and turbulence for improved airflow efficiency.

These qualities make aluminium ducting ideal for applications where hygiene and performance matter. It’s also 100% recyclable, supporting sustainable building practices.

How to choose the right aluminium duct

When specifying aluminium ducting, consider the diameter, wall thickness, and required airflow capacity. Flexible aluminium ducting suits complex layouts, reducing installation time while maintaining consistent performance.

Correct sizing ensures efficient airflow and lower energy consumption. Also, assess accessibility to simplify future maintenance.

Compatibility with ventilation systems

Aluminium ducting integrates effortlessly with fans, grilles, air valves, and diffusers to form complete ventilation setups. Proper sealing and jointing are vital to prevent air leakage and maintain system balance.

Explore compatible products such as in-duct heaters and supply & extract air valves. Aluminium ducting also works well with insulation and acoustic materials for quieter, more energy-efficient environments.