The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has published a new guide ‘Insulation and Cladding of External Sheet Metal Ductwork – A Guide to Product Selection and Installation for HVAC Ductwork Operating at Temperatures Between 10°C and 35°C’.

Available free of charge to all TICA members via the trade organisation’s technical hub, other industry stakeholders can access it upon request.

External ductwork needs to be weatherproofed once insulated and therefore requires a combination of suitable thermal insulation and cladding systems. The TICA document provides analysis of the options and considers a range of factors that may affect the specification and installation of these systems.

Chris Ridge, TICA Technical Director explained: “Locating ductwork externally often makes sense, but it also brings challenges. Without adequate means of protection, the ductwork insulation will be open to the elements – not just weathering, but also damage from humans and wildlife.

“This guide advocates for a systematic approach to insulation and cladding, beginning at the design stage. By addressing these considerations early and ensuring proper installation, we can minimize disruptions, reduce maintenance needs, and extend system lifespans, ultimately lowering the embodied carbon footprint.”

TICA plans to release a suite of technical documents over the next two years.

He added: “Installer competence and quality assurance are now huge talking points in the construction sector. TICA recognises this and wants to ensure that good practice is promoted in the thermal insulation industry.”

For further information and to request a copy of the document, please contact technical@tica.uk.com