Insulated flex duct wraps the inner corrugated core in fiberglass insulation under a foil-scrim-kraft (FSK) vapor-retarder jacket; non-insulated duct is just the bare inner liner. The R-value tells you how much thermal resistance that insulation layer provides:
|
R-Value |
Best For |
Example SKUs |
|
Non-insulated |
Fully conditioned spaces with minimal temperature difference between the duct and surrounding air |
Thermaflex KM series |
|
R4.2 |
Interior runs in conditioned spaces where duct and room temperatures stay close together |
J P Lamborn MHP25B |
|
R6 |
Attics and crawlspaces in moderate climates, balancing insulation against cost and weight |
J P Lamborn MHP25R8B* |
|
R8 |
Unconditioned attics, long runs, or colder climates where minimizing heat loss and condensation matters most |
Quietflex 1485, 785C |
*Some J P Lamborn part numbers include the R-value in the SKU itself; check the listing to confirm before ordering.
Common diameters in this collection include:
|
6" |
7" |
8" |
9" |
10" |
|
12" |
14" |
16" |
18" |
20" |
Match the diameter to your existing duct or takeoff collar, not to the register size, since a run often steps down in diameter between the trunk and the final register.
UL 181 is the safety standard flex duct is tested against for fire and smoke performance, and a Class 1 listing means the duct's outer jacket meets the flame-spread and smoke-developed limits most building codes require for HVAC ductwork. Products in this collection, including the Atco UPC 036 line, are UL 181 Class 1 rated. If your local code or inspector requires a Class 1 listing, confirm it's called out on the product's UL label before installing.
Alongside full flex duct runs, this collection carries the insulation products used to finish a duct system: Owens duct wrap for insulating rigid metal duct runs, Quietflex insulation sleeves for wrapping duct connections and transitions, and Thermo Manufacturing fire-resistant duct panning sheet for sealing subfloor return air plenums. These are sold separately from flex duct itself and serve rigid ductwork and platform returns rather than the flexible runs above. For rigid sheet metal duct and fittings, see our Sheet Metal & HVAC Ductwork collection.