In our last post, we discussed the basics of Welded Black Iron Grease duct. We covered its uses, passive fire protection (PFP) standards, and NFPA 96 compliance.
In this post, we will specifically address how to strategically order black iron grease duct and how to make sure that you are making decisions that will save you time and money.
When designing a commercial kitchen ventilation system, you will want to be as efficient and cost effective as possible. Most of the costs of the ventilation system come from the fabrication and installation of the black iron ductwork and the fans that tie the exhaust system to the outside. Therefore, you will need to make decisions about which fabricators to use for each individual part of your project.
Many fabricators are currently pushing prefab duct. However, be very careful to make sure that everything your are ordering meets the requirements for your region. In many areas, this prefab duct is not up to code. Check with your inspector or general contractor before purchasing non-welded grease duct.
Many other fabricators require significant welding in the field, which can be costly and time consuming.
Instead, consider partnering with a quality specialized welding shop that can produce a superior product for a better price.
Here, we will discuss some of the important things to consider when ordering Black Iron Grease Duct.
#1: Is Your Grease Duct up to Code?
In many regions, Prefab Grease Duct is not acceptable. For example, all Grease Duct in commercial kitchens in Chicago must be welded. To make sure that you are meeting PFP standards and are NFPA 96 compliant, make sure to partner with a fabricator who specifically specializes in welding.
#2: Can a “One Stop Shop” give you the price and quality that you need?
In previous posts, we’ve covered how “one stop shops” that offer everything from spiral to mass produced coil line rectangular can be the right option for certain jobs. However, when ordering Black Iron Grease Duct, you need to work with a shop that specializes in welding. If you order grease duct from a “one stop shop”, you will almost certainly overpay for a lower quality product.
The same questions that you must ask when finding the best fabricators for welding will apply when you shop for your grease duct fabricator. The key factors to consider are:
- Working with American Welding Society’s (AWS) Certified welders
- Ensuring the shop is set up to maintains equipment that can produce a product made to the perfect specs for your job
- Asking shops about heavier gauge standards
- Requiring your fabricator to smoke test the fittings
- Eliminating the need for welding in the field. Determining which fittings can be welded by your fabricator can save you significant time and money
#3: Do you need to order grease duct from the same fabricator who makes your hood?
When ordering metal for your commercial kitchen job, you will likely partner with fabricators who make kitchen hoods and ranges. These specialty shops can often also offer the grease duct. However, consider the price that you are paying for this ductwork. You may be able to get a very similar product for a much lower cost if you work with welders who focus specifically on duct rather than on other aspects of the trade.
Working with experts who specialize in welding stainless steel and black iron will always help you be marketable when quoting a job and profitable when installing a job. Whenever you have a commercial kitchen project, make sure to carefully consider where you get all of your fabricated material and strategically choose which fabricators to partner with.
Madon Sheet Metal produces the industry’s best black iron grease duct. When you use a specialty shop, you can pay less for a superior welded product. Contact us or call us at (224) 300-7995 to learn more or get a customized quote.
