One of the most common services that most HVAC contractors offer is custom sheet metal fabrication. Your home’s ductwork can undergo a unique fabrication process to ensure it evenly distributes heat or air conditioning throughout every room. Understanding the sheet metal fabrication process can help you better understand your entire HVAC system.
What Is Sheet Metal?
Sheet metal is essentially a thin sheet of metallic material that can be fabricated to make different products or structures. This product can be made out of various materials, each offering its own particular level of strength, durability, and resistance to heat. Some of the most common sheet metal materials out there include steel, aluminum, brass, copper, bronze, and magnesium. Both galvanized steel and aluminum are by far the most commonly used in HVAC ductwork systems.
What Is Sheet Metal Fabrication?
Sheet metal fabrication is simply the process of turning sheets of metal into an end product or structure, depending on the specific project. In general, sheet metal fabrication has three main processes: forming, cutting, and joining. Depending on the complexity of the end result, some fabrication shops may use CAD drawings or CNC machines to complete the fabrication process.
In the forming stage of fabrication, the sheets of metal are structured into their desired shape via stretching, rolling, bending, or even stamping. During the cutting process, the metal actually gets cut into its desired shape by shearing, blanking, cutting, laser cutting, water jetting, machining, or plasma. Finally, the joining process typically involves using adhesives, riveting, brazing, or welding to deliver the final end product.
HVAC-Specific Sheet Metal Fabrication
Sheet metal fabrication is very common in the HVAC industry. It typically describes the process that an HVAC technician will go through to create a unique style of ductwork for your home. Because sheet metal work allows for much customization, it helps customers get their desired end result for the overall property. In fact, there are many great benefits to getting custom sheet metal fabrication for your HVAC system as opposed to using pre-made ducting materials.
Saves You Money
First and most importantly, it works to save you money. When you use a custom design for your HVAC system, you can ensure that it’s a very tight fit and will be highly resistant to developing air leaks. Most pre-made ducting will develop gaps and leaks over time, which will decrease the overall effectiveness of your HVAC system and can shorten its total lifespan. When your HVAC system works inefficiently, it will constantly run and drive up your energy bills throughout the year.
Guaranteed to Fit Your Project
When using pre-fitted ductwork, it must all be ordered ahead of time to ensure that the installation process can be done in one uniform step. If design changes are made or someone misorders materials, a simple day-long ductwork project can turn into a multi-day project. When you opt to go the custom route, your HVAC provider can easily create any ducting part that they need to ensure that the installation process goes smoothly.
You Can Choose Ideal Materials
Another benefit of going with an HVAC contractor who does custom sheet metal fabrication is that you can choose the specific type of material you would like to use. You’re not limited to the traditional steel or aluminum ductwork that those who use pre-fitted ductwork are.
Can Provide Customized Repair Solutions
If you already have ductwork installed in your home and are dealing with a system issue, hiring an HVAC contractor that offers custom sheet metal fabrication can be a big positive. These individuals can come in and manufacture custom parts to fix the damaged area. This can be a lot cheaper and faster than having to rip out larger sections to put in pre-fitted parts. Plus, they can easily add to your existing ductwork when you decide to put on a home addition.
Expert Sheet Metal Fabrication Services
Sturm Heating & Air Conditioning offers expert sheet metal fabrication services for all residents throughout Spokane, WA. Our HVAC technicians will assist with all your heating, air conditioning, plumbing, commercial HVAC, and indoor air quality needs.
Contact Sturm Heating & Air Conditioning today to book your next service appointment!
