It is important to use the correct type of screw or rivet. Avoid screws with a wide drill tip (which drill a hole in the duct wall) and blind pop rivets (which are not airtight because the inner splint falls out). The best screws are ones with a sharp tip or pressure-tight blind pop rivets (though these are very laborious to fit).
For more information see the section on screws and rivets in EN 12237 (“Ventilation for Buildings - Ductwork - Requirements for ductwork components to facilitate maintenance of ductwork systems”)
What kind of screw should we use to fit metal ductwork with good airtightness?
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Question by Marianna Papaglastra (Sympraxis Team)
Answered by Peter G. Schild, SINTEF Building & Infrastructure
Answered on 16 December 2009
