Join lined duct with S-and-drive

Before you start

• Confirm the duct size, end construction, pressure class, seal class, and joint shown on the approved shop drawing.
• Inspect both duct ends for crushed corners, torn locks, bowed panels, loose reinforcement, or shop damage before lifting them into place.
• Make sure the supports are already installed or the sections are otherwise held so the joint is not carrying the weight of the run.
• Stage the correct S-cleats, drive cleats, sealant, hand tools, clamps, and access equipment before starting the joint.
• Inspect liner condition, edge treatment, adhesive, and pins before joining the sections.

Lay it out

1. Confirm the liner thickness and finished inside dimensions match through the joint.
2. Check that liner does not extend into the metal lock or block S-cleat engagement.
3. Plan access for sealing exposed liner edges after the mechanical joint is complete.

Set and support it

1. Support both sections level so the liner faces meet without one edge overlapping the other.
2. Protect the liner from lift forks, clamps, water, and loose debris.
3. Use clamps on the metal edges—not through soft liner.

Make the connection

1. 1

   Trim loose or projecting liner fibers with an approved clean cut.

2. 2

   Treat exposed liner edges using the specified adhesive/coating method.

3. 3

   Fit the S-cleats to clean metal hems.

4. 4

   Bring the sections together while watching that liner does not fold into the airflow.

5. 5

   Start and seat the drives without tearing the liner near the side walls.

6. 6

   Seal the metal joint and complete required liner-edge treatment.

7. 7

   Remove all loose fibers and chips from the duct interior.