Product Review: Acoustic Aluminium Flexible Ducting

We’ve supplied a lot of flexible ducting over the years, but when noise control and airflow performance both matter, this acoustic aluminium flexible ducting is one of our most trusted solutions. It was developed specifically to reduce noise transmission in ventilation systems, something our customers in HVAC installation and workshop extraction appreciate.

This type of ducting is most commonly used in residential ventilation, offices, recording studios, and commercial workshops where duct-borne noise and vibration are a concern. We’ve also installed it in schools and healthcare facilities, where keeping airflow quiet is just as important as keeping it consistent.

The duct itself is made of a triple-layer construction: perforated aluminium inner core, a thick sound-absorbing mineral wool layer, and a smooth aluminium foil outer jacket. That combo makes it flexible, sound-dampening, and easy to work with, especially in retrofits or tight ceiling voids.

Available Sizes (All 10 meters long):

What We Like Most

In our experience, customers love this product for how well it balances acoustic performance with installation flexibility. It’s far quieter than standard aluminium ducting, and doesn’t compromise on airflow.

Top Features:

Noise Reduction – The built-in mineral wool layer dampens airflow noise and vibration, helping meet acoustic targets in sensitive environments.
Flexible Construction – Can be easily routed through tight corners and awkward ceiling voids.
Triple-Layer Build – Durable and long-lasting with an inner perforated layer that allows sound to be absorbed into the insulation.
Pre-insulated – No need to wrap with mineral wool separately, saving time and effort on-site.
Low Compression Resistance – Works with low- and medium-pressure systems, fits well with domestic ventilation and HVAC.

We often recommend this to customers fitting MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) systems, where both air quality and noise control are crucial. It’s also popular with builders who need a reliable duct that can be compressed for transport and expanded on-site.

What Could Be Improved

There’s a lot to like about this ducting, but there are a couple of things worth knowing before purchasing:

Not Suitable for High-Pressure Systems – This ducting is best used in low- to medium-pressure applications. It’s not designed to withstand high suction or high mechanical stress.
Larger Diameters Need Support – In our experience, anything over 150mm should be properly supported to prevent sagging over longer runs.
Slightly Less Flexible When Cold – The insulation can make the duct slightly stiffer in colder conditions, so allow extra time for handling in unheated spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this ducting fire-resistant?
A: Yes, it’s classified as fire-resistant to EN 13501-1, Class B-s1, d0, which makes it suitable for use in most building environments under UK regs.
Q: Can I use this ducting for kitchen extraction?
A: While technically possible, it’s not recommended for greasy or moisture-heavy extraction (like cooker hoods). We usually recommend single-skin aluminium or steel ducting for that.
Q: How is it installed?
A: It can be cut to length with a sharp knife and fixed with standard duct clamps. We advise sealing joints with foil tape to prevent air leakage and maintain acoustic performance.
Q: Can it be compressed for transport?
A: Yes – the duct arrives compressed in a box and can be extended on-site. We’ve had customers use this for jobs in tight ceiling voids with very little access.

Alternatives

If this ducting isn’t quite the right fit, we sometimes recommend the following:

Uninsulated Aluminium Flexible Ducting

Cheaper
No noise insulation
Better suited for short runs or non-sensitive areas

Thermal-Only Insulated Ducting (without acoustic wool)

Helps maintain temperature, but doesn’t reduce sound
Useful in heating/cooling ducts without acoustic requirements

Rigid Spiral Duct + Lagged Acoustic Insulation

Excellent airflow performance and durability
More complex to install, more expensive overall
Best for long, straight runs in larger systems

About the Reviewer

Written by Enya Kerry – Office Manager at Ducting Express
With over four years of industry experience, Enya plays a key role in the operations at Ducting Express. As a qualified LEV Engineer, holding both the W201 and P601 certifications, she brings technical expertise and hands-on insight to every customer conversation. Enya is dedicated to helping clients find the most effective ducting and extraction solutions, combining her engineering background with a genuine commitment to excellent service.

4 hours ago