Flexible Ducting

Flexible Ducting – Choosing the Right Solution for Your Project

Flexible ducting, or “flex,” is the go-to option when space is tight, access is awkward, or rigid ducting simply isn’t practical. It’s widely used in workshops, factories, commercial kitchens, and domestic ventilation systems to route air, fumes, or dust where you need it – even around bends and obstacles. For best performance, always install a flexible duct fully extended to achieve the full internal diameter and reduce resistance. Keep bends and kinks to a minimum, as these can restrict airflow and affect the efficiency of your system. At Ducting Express, we stock a wide range of flexible ducting in different materials, diameters, and temperature ratings, so you can choose the perfect match for your application.

Types of Flexible Ducting

Polyurethane (PU) Flexible Ducting Ideal for suction and transport of dust, chips, and abrasive materials. Made from durable polyurethane with a galvanised steel spiral for high flexibility. Options include:

Anti-static PU flex – for gases, abrasive dust, powders, fibres, oil and spray mist extraction, or any environment where static build-up is a risk.
Food-grade PU flex – odourless, tasteless, and resistant to microbes and hydrolysis.

Aluminium Flexible Ducting (Uninsulated)Lightweight, reinforced aluminium and polyester laminate with a steel wire helix. Easy to cut and ideal for ventilation in spaces where temperature changes and condensation are not a concern. Aluminium Insulated Flexible DuctingInner duct with fibreglass insulation and a vapour-barrier jacket. Recommended for unheated or cold spaces to reduce heat loss and prevent condensation. Acoustic Flexible DuctingSimilar to insulated aluminium flex but with a perforated inner core to reduce system noise. Great for offices, homes, and commercial spaces where quiet operation matters. Rectangular Flexible DuctingPVC flexible ducting for tight areas where circular ducting won’t fit. Available in sizes 110×54 mm and 204×60 mm to match standard rigid rectangular ducts. Semi-Flex DuctingPVC-free and suitable up to 250 °C. Perfect for flexible connections between system components and safe for high-temperature environments. Combi-Flex DuctingA laminated combination of aluminium, polyester, and PVC for extra strength and durability. Smooth interior surface for low pressure drop and minimal dust build-up. High-Temperature Silicone Flexible HoseDouble-layer silicone hose with an exceptional temperature range of −70 °C to 260 °C. Suitable for hot and cold gases. Metal Flexible DuctingGalvanised steel for high tensile strength, crush resistance, vibration absorption, and extreme heat tolerance (up to 500 °C). Suitable for smoke, fumes, and dry bulk handling. Vacuum HosePVC vacuum hose for domestic and industrial vacuums. Flexible, durable, and easy to replace. Car Exhaust Extraction Flexible DuctingCrush-resistant hose for safely removing vehicle exhaust gases. Handles up to 200 °C and can withstand vehicles rolling over it. Wyrem FlexAbrasion-resistant ducting made from double-reinforced chloroprene-coated cotton with twin spring steel helices.

Flexible Ducting Comparison Table

Type	Best For	Temperature Range	Key Features
Polyurethane (PU)	Dust, chips, abrasive materials	-40 °C to +90 °C (varies)	High abrasion resistance, flexible, anti-static and food-grade options
Aluminium (Uninsulated)	General ventilation in temperate areas	-30 °C to +140 °C	Lightweight, easy to cut, cost-effective
Aluminium (Insulated)	Ventilation through unheated/cold areas	-30 °C to +140 °C	Fibreglass insulation to prevent condensation and heat loss
Acoustic	Noise-sensitive environments	-30 °C to +140 °C	Sound attenuation, insulated for thermal performance
Rectangular PVC	Tight spaces where round ducting won’t fit	-10 °C to +60 °C	Space-saving, fits standard rigid rectangular duct sizes
Semi-Flex	High-temp connections between components	Up to +250 °C	PVC-free, strong and heat-resistant
Combi-Flex	Strong, durable, low-pressure drop needs	-30 °C to +140 °C	Smooth interior, multiple material layers for strength
High-Temp Silicone	Hot/cold gas handling	-70 °C to +260 °C	Double-layer silicone, flexible, extreme temperature tolerance
Metal (Galvanised)	Smoke, fumes, bulk handling	Up to +500 °C	Crush-resistant, vibration absorption, very high heat resistance
Vacuum Hose	Domestic/industrial vacuum cleaners	-10 °C to +60 °C	Lightweight, durable, replaceable
Car Exhaust Hose	Vehicle exhaust extraction	Up to +200 °C	Crush-resistant, roll-over proof
Wyrem Flex	Abrasion-heavy environments	-30 °C to +90 °C	Highly abrasion resistant, double-reinforced

Flexible Tubing – Benefits at a Glance

Easy to install – Cut to length with basic tools, fix with jubilee clips or duct tape, and you’re ready to go.
Cost-effective – Affordable compared to rigid ducting; in some industries, treat as a consumable for easy replacement.
Versatile – Navigate tight spaces, sharp bends, and awkward runs without the need for complex fittings.

We also supply replacement PVC-coated flexible hoses for welding fume extraction arms in a range of lengths.

Why Order from Ducting Express?

Extensive stock – Fast dispatch across the UK
Expert advice – Our team can recommend the right ducting for your setup
Proven track record – Trusted by thousands of trade and industrial customers

Need help choosing flexible ducting? Call us today for advice, prices, and availability, or order online for fast delivery.