Playbook
Before Leakage Test
Use this before duct gets tested so the obvious leak points are not missed.
What this covers
The system is near pressure/leakage test, inspection, TAB, startup, or punchlist.
How to use this playbook
- Walk the system and check mechanical joints before throwing sealant at everything.
- Check flanges/TDC/Ductmate corners, gasket continuity, cleats/bolts, and joint alignment.
- Check S-and-drive corners, slips, drives, and open seams.
- Check takeoffs, collars, spin-ins, access doors, dampers, equipment connections, and end caps.
- Clean dirty/oily surfaces before sealant or tape.
- Confirm which sealant/mastic/tape/gasket is approved for the job.
- Document suspect leak points before test if you need direction.
Check
- Joint close-up
- Corner close-up
- Access door/damper area
- Sealant/material used
Warnings
- Do not smear mastic over a bad mechanical joint and call it fixed.
- Do not seal over loose screws, missing gasket, missing corners, or misaligned flanges.
- Do not cover damper labels/access points.
- Do not assume pressure-test requirements are the same on every job.
Stop and ask
- Ask when a leak is caused by bad fit-up, wrong material, missing gasket, damaged flange, access door issue, or when the test requirement is unclear.