Frequently Asked Questions

How are Pro-R duct products different than traditional ductwork?

Pro-R products are the next generation of high-performance air distribution solutions for outdoor and indoor applications. When comparing Pro-R to competitive products, there is no equal. Pro-R is light-years beyond dated, leaky, inefficient, and heavy duct systems of the past. Our products require no labor-intensive taping, hands-on gluing, or adhesive caulking that result in increased labor costs, longer project timelines, and reduced product lifespan.

Describe your Pro-R portfolio of duct solutions.

Pro-R features four distinct product lines: Pro-R Rectangle, Round, Specialty, and Indoor. All our Pro-R duct solutions are durable, efficient, easy-to-install, and lightweight.

How did you develop Pro-R?

With more than 55 years of ductwork and HVAC mastery, it was time to move beyond dated duct solutions that are heavy, inefficient and require added labor costs. At Pro-R, we continually observed disadvantages of archaic duct solutions as well as newer yet weaker exterior materials such as vinyl and venture clad tape. Our answer: develop a breakthrough durable, long-lasting duct product for outdoor and indoor applications that will ensure the integrity of your efficient commercial projects for years to come.

How is Pro-R manufactured?

Think of Pro-R as a thermally-sound duct product forged in layers. We first fabricate a metal exterior made with embossed aluminum, color-clad galvanized steel, or galvanized steel based on your custom specifications. Next, we bond closed-cell phenolic insulation to the metal shell interior creating one piece of seamless duct that provides a durable seal with low to no leakage.

Is Pro-R the right solution for your next project?

If you’re interested in a high-quality duct solution for outdoor and/or indoor applications that is professionally manufactured, energy-efficient, durable and will save you money and time, then yes, Pro-R is the right solution. Contact us today at 651-265-0605 or info@ductsandcleats.com.

What insulation R-values can your products provide?

Pro-R offers R values ranging from R-6 to R-25.

Is cladding applied in the field with your outdoor products?

No. Pro-R comes pre-insulated and pre-assembled, meaning the metal exterior is factory sealed before fabrication and does not require any cladding to be applied on the jobsite. Other pre-insulated duct systems rely on cladding tapes and adhesives, which degrade over time and may be prone to misapplication.

How are Pro-R installations different than traditional sheet metal?

Pro-R has a fiber-free phenolic insulation core for increased indoor air quality. Air passes through a smooth interior, free from fibers that are found in traditional duct liner. Pro-R also has a greater-than 1000 micron metal cladding for industry-leading durability, water integrity, and UV stability.

Is Pro-R easy to install?

Yes. Pro-R utilizes installation techniques familiar to professional and experienced sheet metal installers and HVAC professionals. No new skills - such as adhesive tape applications or gluing seams - are required. Another benefit of Pro-R is our ductwork can be installed year-round in a variety of temperatures. We are here to help field questions or offer installation tips at info@ductsandcleats.com. Our project managers are also available for video calls and can schedule on-site training.

What type of Pro-R training is required for installation?

Pro-R is intentionally designed with a short learning curve for sheet metal installers as we’ve utilized the exact same installation techniques that are familiar to our professional tradespeople. Our duct features integrated flanges and TDC connections, a ductwork industry standard. Our team also offers training (see above).

How do I get a Pro-R bid?

While Pro-R is fabricated in St. Paul, the pre-assembled product is available for delivery throughout the United States. Contact us today for a quote or project assessment. Or, call us at 651-265-0605.

How do I purchase Pro-R for my job?

Once we review and create custom fabrication drawings for your project, we finalize details and offer a quote. Once you select Pro-R, our project managers draw up a purchase order with terms. Contact us today at info@ductsandcleats.com for a quote or project assessment. Or, call us at 651-265-0605.

Which Pro-R Duct products can be used for outdoor applications; how about for indoor projects?

Pro-R Rectangle, Specialty and Round products are all solutions for both outdoor and indoor applications, lending their durability, efficiencies, and high-quality thermal performance to any project. Our Indoor line is specifically designed for interior use and is an excellent solution for mechanical rooms, attics, shafts and hard-to-get-to interior spaces.

What type of exterior ductwork options are available?

Our Pro-R Rectangle, Round, and Specialty duct is available in pre-finished embossed aluminum, color-clad galvanized steel, galvanized steel, paint grip, or stainless steel.

Does Pro-R come in a variety of exterior colors?

Yes, Pro-R Round, Specialty and Rectangle lines are available in more than 20 colors to complement your project aesthetic.

Where is Pro-R manufactured?

Pro-R is a Ducts & Cleats premier brand manufactured in St. Paul, Minn.

What is Ducts and Cleats?

Ducts and Cleats is a full-service phenolic and sheet metal ductwork fabricator located in St. Paul, MN. We are an exclusive provider and innovator of Pro-R ductwork systems across the country. Ducts and Cleats is a SMACNA member, Local 10 Union member, and our professional team is highly skilled utilizing our state-of-the-art equipment and AutoCAD software to design plans for our clients.

What type of phenolic insulation does Pro-R use?

All Pro-R products are manufactured with a high quality phenolic core, which is certified to have greater than 90% closed cell content. This means a low potential of water intrusion and the highest R-value per inch.

Other pre-insulated manufacturers claims a high closed cell content but will require up to 30% more insulation to reach the same R-value. This type duct product may be prone to added water intrusion should cladding issues arise.

Does Pro-R Duct comply with the SMACNA Standards?

Yes. Pro-R exceeds SMACNA’s Construction Standards, with SMACNA an internationally recognized authority in HVAC.

What static pressure can Pro-R ductwork handle?

Pro-R products can be designed for up to -10 and +10 w.c.

What is KoolDuct?

KoolDuct is an innovative ductwork product that is comprised of a closed-cell phenolic insulation.

What is Phenolic Insulation?

Phenolic insulation is a rigid type of insulation with a closed-cell structure. Pro-R ductwork systems utilize a Kingspan phenolic insulation for superior thermal performance.