Can screws be used to fasten flexible duct core?
ATCO Rubber Products does not recommend screws be used to fasten the polyester core of the air ducts because they weaken the polyester. Polyester is a very strong material as long as there are no holes or tears in it. As soon as a tear or hole is introduced, its strength drops. To maintain our UL approval status, our air ducts must pass a tension test (25 pounds hanging from one end of the duct), a torsion test (one end rotated 180° or to 25 foot-pounds whichever comes first) and then a leakage test. In all of these tests, both ends must be connected to collars per our installation instructions. Flexible duct connected with screws would not pass these tests.
