TinnerFlow
Stainless & Specialty Duct ยท Specialty Materials

Copper architectural exhaust duct

Decorative/specialty exposed

ConnectionSoldered/brazed/locked seam
SupportCopper-compatible isolated supports

Before you start

  • Confirm copper type, thickness, finish or patina intent, joining method, seam orientation, support material, isolation, expansion allowance, and cleaning method.
  • Inspect sections for scratches, fingerprints, dents, oil, and finish mismatch before lifting.
  • Use clean gloves and keep steel dust and incompatible chemicals away from the copper.
  • Review the exposed architectural joint and support layout before installation.

Tools and materials

Copper duct, approved locked-seam, soldered, or brazed joint materials, compatible flux and filler where specified, copper-compatible or isolated supports, clean gloves, soft slings, finish-protection materials, dedicated forming tools, level or laser, and approved cleaning products.

Lay it out

  1. Laser the exposed centerline, bottom elevation, joint rhythm, seam orientation, and support spacing.
  2. Mark the intended visible face and finish direction.
  3. Plan expansion and movement so long runs do not buckle or load equipment.

Set and support it

  1. Install compatible or isolated supports before lifting the finished duct.
  2. Use padded slings and contact surfaces.
  3. Hold sections at more than one point so the soft metal does not dent or crease.

Make the connection

  1. 1

    Clean and prepare the mating edges using the approved copper joining method.

  2. 2

    Set both sections on their supports and align the visible faces.

  3. 3

    Form and close the locked seam or complete the specified soldered or brazed joint.

  4. 4

    Control heat and protect the surrounding finish.

  5. 5

    Clean flux residue and restore the approved finish or patina treatment.

  6. 6

    Install isolation and movement components.

  7. 7

    Final-clean the exposed run after surrounding construction is complete.

Check the install

  • The exposed finish is uniform and free of steel staining.
  • Joints are neat, complete, and consistent.
  • Supports are compatible and isolated where required.
  • Expansion can occur without buckling the run.
  • No flux residue, fingerprint, deep scratch, or heat damage remains.

Common mistakes

  • Handling copper with bare dirty hands and leaving permanent prints.
  • Using steel tools or supports that stain the finish.
  • Overheating a visible joint.
  • Locking a long run with no expansion allowance.

Stop and ask

Stop if the joining method, finish intent, patina treatment, support isolation, compatible flux or filler, or expansion detail is unclear.