Join shallow wide duct

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.

Lay it out

1. Confirm the shallow dimension and the orientation of the broad face. Shallow duct is easy to rotate or flip during staging.
2. Check the bottom support width and verify it will not create a pressure point in the center of the broad panel.
3. Plan hand access so the side drives can be installed without crushing the short side walls.

Set and support it

1. Use a broad, level support under the duct so the wide panel stays flat.
2. Align the broad bottom plane first, then match the short side walls and top corners.
3. Keep clamps near the folded side edges; do not clamp the center of a shallow side wall.

Make the connection

1. 1

   Slide the S-cleats onto the broad top and bottom edges without bending the hems.

2. 2

   Bring the pieces together gently and check that the short side walls have not folded inward.

3. 3

   Start both side drives by hand and verify they are over both folded edges.

4. 4

   Seat the drives with controlled blows while supporting the short sides from behind if necessary.

5. 5

   Finish and deburr the drive ends.

6. 6

   Seal the required corners and seams without loading the shallow wall with excess material.