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(SHELBYVILLE, Ind., April 29, 2004)  The superior thermal and acoustical performance of fiber glass duct board have always commanded a higher price than bare sheet metal ducts – until a dramatic spike in steel prices.  The increase in steel costs in recent months has hit the commercial, industrial and residential construction markets especially hard, and has made fiber glass duct board the performance choice and a lower-cost option than even bare sheet metal.

 

Many sheet metal contractors are reporting price increases of up to 250% in the last 90 days, driven by increased world demand for steel, coke shortages and the devaluation of the U.S. dollar. Commercial Duct Systems (CDS) of Charlotte, North Carolina, is one of many fabricators to experience triple-digit metal price increases.

 

“I recently quoted a condominium project at about $60,000 for the metal,” said Rick Nagy, owner of CDS.  “Now the same job is $90,000 for the metal alone. I’m doing it in 1” (Knauf) Duct Board AGM for about $55,000.  The owner is getting superior performance at a cost that is now a savings – the price increases are really encouraging people to take a look at duct board.”

 

Fiber glass duct board has always been a competitive option compared to sheet metal lined or wrapped with insulation.  However, bare sheet metal ducts were often specified where cost was the primary consideration, even though they presented many problems – thermal performance and noise transmission primary among them. The steel price upswing has erased even this advantage for sheet metal ductwork.  Now the superior performance of fiber glass is also the lower cost option.

“We’ve said all along that fiber glass duct board cuts utility bills and dramatically reduces HVAC-related noise – cross-talk between offices and the ‘booming and crackling’ that come as sheet metal ducts expand and contract,” said Mark Smith, Knauf Insulation’s Marketing Manager for Air Handling Products.  “Now that duct board is actually less expensive than sheet metal, why choose a less effective system?”

 

Knauf Insulation’s duct board products are known for their thermal and acoustical performance, as well as their durability on the job site.  Knauf’s Duct Board AGM adds a lightweight mat facing to the airstream surface of standard duct board, providing a smooth interior surface for optimum performance.  Duct Board M, Knauf’s premium duct product, offers a heavier black mat facing on the airstream surface for added durability. The exteriors of both products are faced with a durable FSK facing for superior condensation control and aesthetic appeal. 

 

Both products are independently certified by the GREENGUARD ENVIRONMENTAL INSTITUTE to meet the industry’s toughest indoor air quality standards for respirable particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde. GREENGUARD Certification standards are based on recognized IAQ criteria used by the State of Washington, the U.S. EPA, OSHA and the World Health Organization to provide specifiers with IAQ peace of mind.

 

Knauf Duct Board M and AGM can also be formed into the Knauf Max 10 System, a 10-sided configuration that offers efficient airflow competitive with round sheet metal ductwork, but with improved energy efficiency and noise control.  Color PVC jacketing is available for the Max 10 system to offer a clean, finished appearance that blends with any open ceiling or décor.  Cost savings are even greater compared to spiral metal ducts, making Max 10 an attractive alternative for all exposed commercial applications.

 

“Knauf offers a variety of choices for creating a cost-effective duct system with superior thermal and acoustical performance,” said Smith.  “Rising steel prices have tremendously impacted the construction industry, and these increases will remain into the near future. Even though steel costs will gradually decrease, they will never again reach the level where bare sheet metal can compete with fiber glass. We clearly have a superior product at a lower cost.”

 

Knauf Insulation is a leading U.S. manufacturer of thermal and acoustical insulations for residential, commercial, industrial, marine, OEM and metal building applications.  For more information about Max 10, Duct Board-M or other Knauf’s products, visit the Knauf Web site (www.KnaufUSA.com) or contact Knauf Insulation, One Knauf Drive, Shelbyville, IN 46176; 800.825.4434, ext. 8212.