How to Select the Best Slot Diffuser Border for Your Space
In the first post in this series, we discussed how long, continuous lengths of linear slot diffusers can integrate overhead mixed air distribution into highly architectural spaces to achieve excellent indoor air quality without sacrificing aesthetics.
In this article, we are looking at selecting the correct style of border – also referred to as a frame – to attain the desired look. There are many border styles to choose from, and the building material, finishes, location within the room and the overall appearance of the space will all factor into which border style is best suited for the HVAC air outlets.
Surface-Mount
When installing a linear slot diffuser in a hard ceiling or wall (such as those made from plaster, metal panels or concrete), a surface-mount border is an excellent choice because it is supplied with a finished, exposed frame that surrounds the diffuser outlet, covering any gaps between the opening in the installation surface and the stack of the diffuser. This can be a simple and cost-effective way to finish a drywall ceiling, with the border adding a level of detail to the space.
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The end profile of a CF Custom Flow diffuser with an EF exposed-frame border installed in a drywall ceiling
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| CF Custom Flow slot diffuser with an EF exposed-frame border installed in the bulkhead above a reception desk |
Mud-In
Concealed mud-in borders provide the ultimate architectural integration for drywall installations. The slot diffuser is provided with a tapered flange on all sides, which is securely fastened to the wall or ceiling with countersunk screws. Spackle is applied to the border of the diffuser and, after being sanded and painted, gives the diffuser the appearance of a single dark slot on a smooth surface with no visible border.
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The end profile of a CF Custom Flow diffuser with a CMF concealed mud-in frame installed in a drywall ceiling
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| CF Custom Flow slot diffuser with a CMF concealed mud-in border installed in a drywall ceiling that follows the contour of the window |
Offset
An offset frame can be used to position a slot diffuser at the perimeter of the room or architectural feature where a vertical and horizontal surface meet. The diffuser attaches to the structure, and drywall is installed over its frame, creating a continuous slot along the joint of the two surfaces, which highlights an architectural feature or gives the appearance of a floating ceiling
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The end profile of a CF Custom Flow diffuser with an OFS offset frame installed in a drywall ceiling
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| CF Custom Flow slot diffuser with an OFS offset frame border installed where the wall and ceiling meet |
Flush-Mount
Slot diffusers are also a great solution for spaces with drop ceilings, and border styles designed specifically to integrate with the T-bar grid can seamlessly incorporate the air outlets into the ceiling system. The diffuser sits directly on the tee, and a narrow border prevents interference with the upper portion of the tee hanger wires. The resulting long, continuous slot blends into the ceiling grid and provides interest to an otherwise boring grid.
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The end profile of a CF Custom Flow diffuser with an FM flush-mount frame installed in a T-bar ceiling system
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| A two-slot CF Custom Flow diffuser with an FM flush-mount border in a T-bar ceiling grid above an open office space |
Hybrid
Slot diffusers can also be integrated by using a hybrid border at the transition between two ceiling types. A hybrid border with a concealed mud-in frame on one side of the slot diffuser and an exposed frame on the other side helps to transition between a hard drywall ceiling and a T-bar grid ceiling, for instance. The long slot produced in this application is often difficult to notice unless you are looking for it.
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The end profile of a CF Custom Flow diffuser with a hybrid EF exposed frame and CMF concealed mud-in border
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| CF Custom Flow slot diffuser with a hybrid EF exposed frame and CMF concealed mud-in border installed between a drywall bulkhead and the T-bar ceiling grid |
Border styles provide a variety of options to effectively integrate overhead mixed air distribution into any space. Look out for the next post in this series, where we’ll explore how the color and finish of slot diffusers can work with – not against – architectural features. For more information on Custom Flow diffusers and how they can be integrated into your project, contact the GRD team at GRD@priceindustries.com.
