Join Ductmate at the 2024 AHR Expo

Posted on by Ductmate Industries

Join Ductmate at the 2024 AHR Expo in Chicago, Illinois, on January 22-24, 2024, at booth #S8110.  See the latest products from Ductmate, Aire Technologies, GreenSeam, and Linx Industries, and learn how DMI is your one source for infinite solutions.

The AHR Expo brings together manufacturers and suppliers of all sizes and specialties to share ideas and showcase the future of HVACR technology. It’s the industry’s best place for OEMs, engineers, contractors, facility operators, architects, educators, and other professionals to experience everything new in HVACR and build the vital relationships that grow businesses and careers.

We hope to see you there! Learn more about the AHR Expo at ahrexpo.com.

Improving Indoor Air Quality Essential to Curbing the Spread of Deadly Viruses

Posted on by Ductmate Industries

Indoor Air Quality Featured on 60 Minutes

In a new 60 Minutes episode released on October 29, 2023, they explored what the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us about preventing the spread of potentially deadly respiratory infections and utilizing indoor air quality monitoring systems.

Because we now know that viruses like the one that causes COVID-19 can travel through the air much farther than six feet, public health advice focusing on social distancing, handwashing, and masking wasn’t enough. Air quality scientists say that from the start of the pandemic, they should have focused on improving the air we breathe indoors.

In this 60 Minutes feature, Airthings indoor air quality monitoring devices were highlighted as one simple solution to improving indoor air quality and curbing the spread of viruses.

Airthings for Business: The Complete IAQ Solution

Airthings for Business from Ductmate provides the complete solution to improving the health and well-being of your building and its occupants.

Ductmate offers the Airthings Space Hub, Space Pro, and Space CO2 Mini devices to building owners to help map out issues within their facilities and target the root causes of poor air quality and energy inefficiency in their buildings.  These three products can be configured to meet the needs of virtually any small to medium-sized commercial or institutional structure, including schools, offices, hospitals, and more.

Depending on the product, Airthings devices monitor particulate matter (PM), carbon dioxide (CO2), airborne chemicals (VOCs), temperature, and more, as well as its virtual sensors that monitor occupancy and virus risk.  When paired with the Airthings dashboard, you can monitor data remotely in real time and make smarter decisions to improve your indoor air quality and energy efficiency levels.

Understanding Your Virus Risk

The Airthings devices use virtual sensors to calculate virus risk by a room’s CO2, temperature, and humidity levels.  From there, the device ranks the virus risk as a score out of 10.  Understanding your virus risk is critical when ensuring the indoor air quality inside your building allows for spaces where people thrive, but viruses don’t.

With a new strain of COVID on the rise and flu season starting, it is more crucial than ever to prioritize indoor air quality and curb the spread of deadly viruses.

Where Can I Buy Airthings?

Ready to buy Airthings? To purchase the Airthings for Business solution, please contact Ductmate customer service at 1 (800) 990-8459.

Airthings for Business: The Complete IAQ Solution

Posted on by Ductmate Industries

Indoor air quality is often up to five times worse than outside.  Considering most people spend 90% of their time inside, it’s time for a smarter solution.

Why is Indoor Air Quality Important?

People spend a lot of time indoors, so it’s no surprise that Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is strongly and directly connected to health and well-being. According to the US Environment Protection Agency, indoor air pollution is one of the top five environmental risks to public health.  Annually, 3.8 million people worldwide prematurely die from illnesses attributable to indoor air pollution.

Poor indoor air quality can cause short-term issues, like headaches, inflammation of the nose, throat and eyes, and flare-ups of pneumonia or bronchitis, or it can contribute to long-term problems like cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer.  It has also been associated with aggravating respiratory issues, including asthma.

Improving indoor air quality is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure good health and optimal comfort.

What Causes Poor Indoor Air Quality?

Indoor air quality largely comes down to several key contaminants and components, which are known to play a role in comfort and health.

Pollutants that can affect the air quality inside buildings fall into one or more of the following categories:

Particulate Matter (PM):

Particulate matter is a range of dust, dirt, and liquid particles that become suspended in the air.  This includes dust, smoke and tobacco smoke, pollen, animal dander, particles generated from combustion appliances, and particles associated with dust mites, mold, and bacteria.

Some are large enough to see, like smoke, smog, or soot. The healthier the air, the fewer PMs.

Airborne Chemicals/Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs):

Airborne chemicals/Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) come from combustion processes such as solid fuel heating, gas cooking stoves, vehicle exhaust, and tobacco smoke.  They can also come from building materials, furnishings, adhesives, paint, varnish, cleaning products, and pesticides.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2):

Emitted naturally by breathing, CO2 can build up in poorly ventilated buildings where the air is recycled.  High concentrations are linked to poor decision-making, low productivity, and infectious disease transmission.

Environmental Pollution & Radon:

Environmental pollution indoors comes from outside contaminants like vehicle fumes and industrial pollution that can seep into buildings.  It can also come from naturally occurring gases like radon. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps into buildings from rocks and soil and can build up to dangerous levels indoors.

Human Contamination/Virus Risk:

People in buildings are often carriers of viruses that can spread through the air.

Improved indoor air quality can help stop the risk of airborne viruses, including SARS-COV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 (coronavirus), and other viruses.  The Biden-Harris Administration identified improved indoor air quality as an important tool to fight the spread of airborne diseases in the American Pandemic Preparedness Plan in September 2021, and the National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan prioritized it again in March 2022.

SMACNA Prioritizes IAQ

Recently, SMACNA launched WeAreWhatWeBreathe.com, a new web resource designed to raise public awareness for indoor air pollution and how indoor air quality (IAQ) improvements can help improve occupants’ health.  This comprehensive site is a destination for private and public stakeholders to explore how ventilation, airflow, and indoor air quality impact schools, homes, and office settings.

“The pandemic shined a much-needed light on indoor air quality and some of the major health concerns arising in our schools, homes, and workplaces,” SMACNA Chief Executive Officer Aaron Hilger said. “As a standard-setting organization, SMACNA is proud to play a leading role in addressing the impact of poor ventilation and air quality on our lives. We hope this website will be a helpful resource while instilling a sense of urgency for building owners and school systems to provide tenants with the clean, quality air they deserve.”

To learn more about indoor air pollutants and the need for better ventilation, visit WeAreWhatWeBreathe.com.

The Solution: Airthings for Business

Like other environmental health risks, IAQ can easily and reliably be monitored to assess risks and improve air quality.  Airthings provides the complete solution to improving the health and well-being of your building and its occupants.

Ductmate now offers the Airthings Space Hub, Space Pro, Space Plus, Space Nano, and Space CO2 Mini devices to building owners to help map out issues within their facilities and target the root causes of poor air quality and energy inefficiency in their buildings.  These three products can be configured to meet the needs of virtually any small to medium-sized commercial or institutional structure, including schools, offices, hospitals, and more.

Depending on the product, Airthings devices monitor particulate matter (PM), carbon dioxide (CO2), airborne chemicals (VOCs), temperature, and more, as well as its virtual sensors that monitor occupancy and virus risk.  When paired with the Airthings dashboard, you can monitor data remotely in real time and make smarter decisions to improve your indoor air quality and energy efficiency levels.

Why suffer through poor indoor air quality that can adversely affect your health when there’s a simple solution? And when it comes to energy bills, why pay more than you have to? On average, an Airthings for Business customer saves up to 20% on energy costs.

Where Can I Buy Airthings?

Ready to buy Airthings? To purchase the Airthings for Business solution, please contact Ductmate customer service at 1 (800) 990-8459.

Round & Round: Spiralmate Duct Connector

Posted on by Ductmate Industries

Renowned for its quality and reliability, Spiralmate is the round connection you can depend on.

What is Spiralmate?

Ductmate’s Spiralmate round duct connection system is the industry’s only self-sealing round flanged connector system of its kind that offers unsurpassed speed of installation, airtight integrity, and aesthetics.

Because the Spiralmate connector system is sold as a complete set, it consists of the following uniquely designed components:

  • Two mating round duct Connector flanges with Ductmate’s high-performance, non-hardening self-sealing 5511M mastic injected into the pocket.
  • Each Spiralmate flange is designed to adjust to the exact diameter of the duct.
  • A one-bolt closure band is engineered to quickly and safely clamp the Spiralmate flanges together without the need for multiple screws or bolts.
  • A high-density neoprene gasket is available, which allows for performance and adjustability at each connection.

Spiralmate offers the following exclusive, cost-saving features:

  • Sold as a complete connection
  • Quick and simple to install
  • Substantial reduction in labor
  • Airtight without external sealant
  • Clean appearance for exposed duct
  • Standard sizes from 8” – 120” in 2” increments
  • Tested to 18” w.g. positive and 10” w.g. negative
  • Available in six alloys

Spiralmate vs. Generic Connection Systems

Spiralmate is superior to generic connection systems when it comes to installed cost, safety, speed of installation, airtight integrity, adjustability, and aesthetics over a generic connection system.

With Spiralmate, the installed cost is lower because the cost includes the two factory-sealed flange rings and one bolt closure band required to make the connection, requiring no sealant or additional labor. In contrast, generic connections have each ring sold separately, plus the additional sealant and labor cost required to seal each connection.

The Spiralmate system is engineered to simplify the connection process with its one-bolt closure band design, which quickly and safely aligns and clamps each joint together for a superior seal and speed of installation. This process eliminates the added cost and labor of applying Tek screws manually at the connection, further enhancing safety and adjustability. Conversely, a generic connection requires multiple Tek screws around the circumference of each joint to complete the connection, decreasing worker safety while increasing installation time and leakage at the connection. Generic connections don’t allow for adjustability at the connection, either.

Lastly, Spiralmate is a clean, seamless connection that can be used as an architectural feature on exposed duct systems, while generic connections require exposed screws and sealant at the connection, ruining aesthetics.

Quick & Easy Installation

Spiralmate installation is quick and easy.  Don’t believe us? Watch our installation video and see for yourself just how easy it is to install Spiralmate.

Can I Customize My Order of Spiralmate?

Spiralmate comes in standard sizes from 8” – 120” in 2” increments.  For additional sizes, please consult a Ductmate representative.

Additionally, Spiralmate comes in six different alloys for a wide range of specialty applications, including galvanized metal, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, and more.

For mining or unique applications, our alternative Ventmate is available. Ventmate is a connector clamp with the same high-quality neoprene gasket embedded into the closure band.  Consult Ductmate for more information on Ventmate applications.

Press-on inner rings are available for round ducts with 1” or 2” insulation, so no welding or fasteners are needed. Double-sided high-strength PSA tape can be applied for a simple on-site installation.

As always, we’re happy to work with you to deliver the products you need.

Where Can I Buy Spiralmate?

Ready to buy Spiralmate? Ductmate products are available at over 350 locations across the US as part of a selective distribution network.  Use the Ductmate distributor locator map to find a distributor near you.

ULtimate Door Lineup: Performance, Safety, and Options That Matter

Posted on by Ductmate Industries

Design and engineering choices when choosing a grease duct access door can mean the difference between life and death for building occupants and first responders.  When life safety and building performance are your number one priority, Ductmate’s ULtimate grease duct access doors are superior to the competition.

What are the ULtimate Doors?

Ductmate’s ULtimate access doors provide easy access to high-temperature air ducts and grease duct systems and were designed for applications requiring UL 1978 listing.

Ductmate offers the ULtimate Door (sandwich-style), ULtimate Door II (weld-on), and the ULtimate Door Round (sandwich-style for round duct) that provide the following special characteristics:

  • UL 1978 listed
  • Superior life safety protection
  • Minimal penetration into the duct
  • Grease and liquid tight
  • Meets NFPA96 standards
  • Dramatically reduces installation time
  • 11 ga. 304SS or Black Iron
  • ICC tested with leading wraps
  • No special tools required
  • Quick and easy access

Unlike shop-fabricated and inferior, light gauge grease duct door substitutes, the high-performance line of ULtimate Grease Duct Access Doors from Ductmate are designed to meet the challenges. They are the most extensively engineered, tested, and ruggedly constructed doors available in the industry.

Why make your job more difficult?

The ULtimate Doors are designed to save you time and money without compromising safety.  The sandwich style of the ULtimate Door and ULtimate Door Round allows them to be completely removed or installed in minutes.  No frames to install, no holes to drill, and no clips needed, dramatically reducing field installation time and labor.

When working in the field, time is money, so why make your job more difficult than it has to be? Use the access doors that keep you safe and don’t waste your time.

Can I customize my order of ULtimate Doors?

Ductmate can custom make virtually any size ULtimate Door, starting at 6” x 6” all the way up to 24” x 24”. Consult Ductmate customer service for more information.

Additionally, the ULtimate line of access doors can be ordered in stainless steel or black iron and several optional design features for virtually any configuration.

As always, we’re happy to work with you to deliver the products you need.

Where can I buy the ULtimate Doors?

Ready to buy the ULtimate Doors? Ductmate products are available at over 350 locations across the US as part of a selective distribution network.  Use the Ductmate distributor locator map to find a distributor near you.

Gecko Glue Adhesive: Now Available in 275-Gallon Totes

Posted on by Ductmate Industries

Gecko Glue adhesive is now available in new 275-gallon totes, resulting in cost, storage, and labor savings.  When less is more, more is less!

What Are the Benefits of Gecko Glue Totes?

There is a wide array of benefits to using our 275-gallon Gecko Glue totes.

The greatest benefit of Gecko Glue totes is that one 275-gallon tote is equivalent to five 55-gallon drums.  By buying in bulk, not only will you reap maximum cost savings, but it will result in maximum storage space savings as well.  One tote is significantly easier to store than five drums.

Gecko Glue totes are ideal for large insulation projects and significantly reduce changeover time, resulting in additional labor savings.  Additionally, Gecko Glue totes are compatible with all existing coil lines and sprayers as our standard drums.

Once all the product has been used, don’t throw the tote away! Our plastic 275-gallon totes are recyclable, making disposal easier than ever.  Check your local recycling guidelines and requirements, as many recycling facilities will have lower recycling fees for plastic totes.  With metal drums, typically, a higher fee is associated with disposal, giving our totes another advantage over the standard drums.

What is Gecko Glue Adhesive?

Ductmate’s Gecko Glue Silver and Gecko Glue Gold are commercial-grade, water-based duct liner adhesives formulated for spray and roller coating applications and can be used for the following:

  • Bond duct liner insulation to galvanized duct work
  • Ductmate PolyArmor™, elastomeric, or fiberglass insulation
  • Seal cut edges of fiberglass insulation
  • Bond kraft-backed foil covering to fiberglass
  • Bond multiple layers of fibrous insulation board

Gecko Glue adhesive offers the following special characteristics:

  • Solvent-free water-based adhesive
  • Spray, roll, or brush application
  • Exceptional wet tack with a smooth finish after drying
  • Fast tacking with some dry tack for an extended grip
  • Exceptional coverage
  • Excellent water, mold, and mildew resistance
  • Non-flammable in wet and dry states
  • Wipes clean with soapy water before fully cured
  • UL Classified
  • LEED® Compliant, meets all applicable EPA Method 24 and CDPH standards
  • Conforms to NFPA 90A and 90B requirements and SCAQMD standards

Where Can I Buy Gecko Glue Adhesive?

Ready to buy Gecko Glue adhesive? Whether you need a lot or a little, we are happy to work with you to deliver your desired products.

Ductmate products are available at over 350 locations across the US as part of a selective distribution network.  Use the Ductmate distributor locator map to find a distributor near you.

New PROflex Master Rolls in Various Lengths: Now Available

Posted on by Ductmate Industries

You asked, we listened! Ductmate now offers PROflex master rolls in various lengths (1000 ft, 750 ft, 500 ft).  You can expect the same high-quality and customizable options from our master rolls as our standard 100 ft PROflex cartons.

What is PROflex?

PROflex is a flexible duct connector designed to isolate equipment noise and vibration from the ductwork, consisting of a fabric secured to sheet metal on both sides. Typically, the connector is inserted between the equipment and the ductwork.

Flexible duct connectors are widely used in commercial, industrial, and residential HVAC applications.  PROflex offers the following special characteristics:

  • Airtight and waterproof at 10 w.g. positive and negative
  • Double-lock gripping fingers of metal to fabric adds to holding power
  • Designed to meet NFPA 90A and 90B specifications
  • Pre-assembled with sheet metal permanently secured to the fabric
  • Fabrics are NFPA 701 listed (except Teflon®)
  • Available in six fabrics and five alloys for any configuration
  • Fabrics include UL Listed and LA Approved Super Duty Vinyl

How can PROflex master rolls increase efficiency and labor savings while reducing scrap?

PROflex master rolls, when used in conjunction with any automated flexible duct connector machinery, will significantly reduce labor time and machine downtime, resulting in notable labor savings on every project.  With less machine downtime and changeover time, your shop efficiency will skyrocket.  When PROflex master rolls are placed on a skid, loading and unloading with a forklift is a breeze, resulting in additional time savings.

PROflex master rolls are perfect for larger shops that use a large amount of flexible duct connectors.  The more you use, the more you save.

A PROflex 1000 ft master roll will significantly reduce the scrap produced compared to the standard 100 ft roll.  Over the course of a few projects, the amount of scrap coming from a standard 100 ft PROflex roll could add up to the cost of another standard 100 ft PROflex box.

An automated flexible duct connector machine used with PROflex master rolls will also allow you to take the guesswork and the possibility of user error out of the cutting process.

What if I need a smaller length of PROflex?

If you need a smaller length of PROflex, that’s not a problem!  We’ll work with your needs to minimize scrap.

Typically, PROflex is sold at a standard 100 ft length and is available with or without metal attached in various widths.

We understand that 1000 ft master rolls may be too much for most, so PROflex is also sold in multiple lengths, including 500 ft and 750 ft.

Can I customize my order of PROflex?

PROflex is available in six fabrics and five alloys for any configuration.  Specialty fabrics include UL Listed and LA Approved Super Duty Vinyl.   PROflex metals are available in galvanized, stainless, aluminum, and more.  For other alloys, fabric sizes, or chemical-resistant properties, consult your nearest Ductmate distributor.

As always, we’re happy to work with you to deliver the products you need.

Where can I buy PROflex?

Ready to buy PROflex? Ductmate products are available at over 350 locations across the US as part of a selective distribution network.  Use the Ductmate distributor locator map to find a distributor near you.

2023 Distributor Training Dates

Posted on by Ductmate Industries

Registration for the 2023 Ductmate Distributor Training Classes is now open!

Ductmate Distributor Training Classes are offered as a three-day experience. Days one and two are spent half a day in the classroom and gaining hands-on experience. Day three is finished with a half-day in the classroom only. Hotel accommodations, transportation to and from our facilities, and dining are all compliments of Ductmate.

Learn our products:

Spend time with our Ductmate Sales and Product Line Managers as they instruct you on our complete line of products.  Learn all the features, benefits, technical aspects, and selling techniques in a relaxed classroom atmosphere.  This class is perfect for employees new to the HVAC industry or seasoned vets looking for a refresher on our products.

Gain hands-on experience:

Learn directly from industry professionals on how our products work in the field.  Getting a chance to work with them will help you to truly understand how they work.  Install flange, apply gasket, complete a duct connection, and more.

See our facilities:

Get a first-hand look at how our products are manufactured.  Tour our two main facilities and see the machines that helped to launch Ductmate over 40 years ago.  Then, see how Ductmate is manufacturing the future with automated manufacturing lines including our state-of-the-art laser.

2023 Dates:

  • April 24 – 26

  • May 22 – 24

  • June 12 – 14

  • September 11 – 13

Spots are limited and are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.

To register, please contact Liz Polonoli (Ductmate Sales Assistant) at [email protected] or (724) 276-3019.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Pennsylvania Manufacturing Advisory Council Releases Playbook for Competitiveness

Posted on by Ductmate Industries

DMI Companies, Inc.’s President and CEO Ray Yeager has worked closely with the Pennsylvania Manufacturing Advisory Council and other manufacturers for the past 18 months to develop a complete Manufacturing Competitiveness Playbook that is now available to the public.

DMI is a World Class Manufacturing enterprise because of its employees and strategic plan for success. All Pennsylvania manufacturers can reach this level of success if they utilize the Playbook blueprint.

The Playbook recommends three game changers for improving Pennsylvania manufacturing’s competitive position:
• Recapture Pennsylvania’s manufacturing competitive advantage by aggressively pursuing manufacturing growth sectors to drive prosperity.
• Invest in the factory of the future to boost the performance of small and medium-sized companies, improve the quality of manufacturing jobs, and provide better career options for more of Pennsylvania’s citizens.
• Unleash the power of advanced manufacturing to drive regional prosperity through policies and services that are more responsive to the needs of manufacturers.

The manufacturing sector is fundamental to Pennsylvania’s economic success, can compete more effectively, and offers a growing number of well-paying jobs, but the sector needs the commonwealth’s help. That’s the findings from a new report released by the Pennsylvania Manufacturing Advisory Council, a nonpartisan partnership of manufacturers and public support organizations. Pennsylvania’s Manufacturing Competitiveness Playbook identifies three game changers for Pennsylvanian manufacturing and offers ten actionable strategies to help make Pennsylvania’s manufacturing economy more robust and resilient.

“It’s vital that we do more for manufacturing because it represents one of Pennsylvania’s largest sectors, pays better than most others, and offers good benefits,” COO of the Berks County Workforce Development Board and Council Co-Chair Dan Fogarty said. “The Playbook is a great first step toward coming together around how we can be there for the sector and for communities across the Commonwealth that both support and benefit from our great industrial employers,” he added.

Manufacturing contributes $113 billion to Pennsylvania’s GDP and employs an estimated 563,000 Pennsylvanians. Pennsylvania’s Manufacturing Competitiveness Playbook includes recommendations developed by a group of 25 manufacturing and public leaders with the help of recommendations and insights offered by more than 500 manufacturers from across the Commonwealth.

The Playbook builds on Pennsylvania’s historic strengths in manufacturing and captures a vision for Pennsylvania’s future as a global leader in advanced manufacturing.

DMI urges Pennsylvania manufacturers to take the time to read the Playbook and share it with their colleagues, friends, and business associates.

CLICK HERE to download the full Playbook from the Manufacturing Advisory Council’s website.