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 three distinct product lines: Pro-R Rectangle, Specialty, and Indoor. All of 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 tough metal exterior made with embossed aluminum. Next, we build the UL181 phenolic KoolDuct system and then wrap it with the protective aluminum exterior creating a patented duct system that provides low to no air leakage and that is built to last.

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-8 to R-24 for Pro-R Rectangle and Pro-R Specialty. Pro-R Indoor is available in R-values up to R-12.

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 UL181 KoolDuct core for increased indoor air quality. Air passes through a smooth interior, free from fibers that are found in traditional sheetmetal 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. Our project managers are also available for video calls and can schedule training for your installing team.

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 us to connect you to one of our manufacturer rep partners. 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 and Pro-R Specialty are 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 and Specialty duct is available in pre-finished embossed aluminum or stainless steel.

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

Yes, Pro-R 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 KoolDuct core, which is certified to have greater than 90% closed cell content and is fabricated to create a UL181 pre-insulated duct system. 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.