# HVAC and sheet metal metal fabrication: standards and how to choose | Best Fabricators

Source: https://bestfabricators.com/industries/hvac/

# HVAC and sheet metal fabrication

Sheet metal fabrication makes ductwork, plenums, kitchen hoods, enclosures, and custom flashing.

## Materials and processes

Galvanized steel in standard gauges, stainless steel for kitchen exhaust and corrosive air, and aluminum. Work is cut, formed on brakes and roll formers, and seamed or welded.

## Standards and certifications to know

- SMACNA duct construction standards: the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association’s widely used duct standards.
- NFPA 96: the standard for ventilation control and fire protection of commercial cooking operations, which covers grease ducts and hoods.
- Local mechanical code: most jurisdictions adopt the International Mechanical Code with amendments.

## Questions to ask a shop

- Does the shop build to SMACNA standards and your engineer’s gauge schedule?
- Can it weld liquid-tight grease duct for NFPA 96 work?
- Does it have plasma or CNC duct lines for volume?
- Does it install, or supply your mechanical contractor?

## What drives cost

Gauge, volume, fittings count, stainless versus galvanized, and installation access drive cost.

## Metros with strong local demand

- [HVAC and sheet metal fabrication in Phoenix, AZ](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/phoenix-az/)
- [HVAC and sheet metal fabrication in Charlotte, NC](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/charlotte-nc/)
- [HVAC and sheet metal fabrication in Chicago, IL](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/chicago-il/)
- [HVAC and sheet metal fabrication in Dallas, TX](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/dallas-tx/)
- [HVAC and sheet metal fabrication in Detroit, MI](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/detroit-mi/)
- [HVAC and sheet metal fabrication in Las Vegas, NV](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/las-vegas-nv/)
- [HVAC and sheet metal fabrication in Minneapolis, MN](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/minneapolis-mn/)
- [HVAC and sheet metal fabrication in New York, NY](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/new-york-ny/)
- [HVAC and sheet metal fabrication in Washington, DC](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/washington-dc/)

## Questions

### What should I look for in a HVAC and sheet metal fabricator?

Relevant certifications, finished work similar to yours, the right equipment, and clear documentation. Start with: Does the shop build to SMACNA standards and your engineer’s gauge schedule?

### Where is HVAC and sheet metal fabrication concentrated?

On this site, these metros have strong local demand: Phoenix, AZ, Charlotte, NC, Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX, Detroit, MI, Las Vegas, NV, Minneapolis, MN, New York, NY, Washington, DC.

Related: [Fabrication certifications explained](https://bestfabricators.com/guides/certifications/) · [Fabrication processes](https://bestfabricators.com/guides/metal-fabrication-processes/)

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