What are the noise reduction advantages of fabric ducts compared to sheet metal ducts?

2026 06/18

We’re going to look at how fabric air ducts stack up against metal sheet ducts when it comes to noise control. Standard metal sheet ducts push air out fast through limited outlet openings, which often creates loud wind noise plus mechanical shaking.

 

Fabric ducts work differently: air seeps out slowly through tiny holes spread all over the duct surface, cutting down wind noise right where it starts. The fabric material soaks up noise from inside the ventilation system, and unlike rigid metal, soft fabric won’t vibrate or produce resonant hums. The end result is even air distribution with much quieter operation, making indoor spaces far more pleasant acoustically.