Before Insulation
Use before duct wrap, liner repair, vapor barrier, or insulation covers work.
Duct is about to be wrapped, lined, closed up, or hidden above ceiling/walls.
Stop if
- Ask when insulation conflicts with access, fire/smoke dampers, grease duct, sensors, or when the vapor barrier detail is unclear.
Watch out
- Do not bury access doors, damper labels, actuators, sensors, or cleanouts.
- Do not wrap over wet duct or damaged vapor barrier without direction.
- Do not crush flex/duct with straps or insulation.
- Do not assume insulation fixes condensation if the real issue is routing/sealing/vapor barrier.
Check
- Before cover-up wide photo
- Access door/damper label
- Vapor barrier detail
- Damaged insulation or wet area
Steps
- Check what needs to remain visible, accessible, sealed, and dry before insulation covers it.
- Confirm duct is sealed/accepted enough to cover based on project direction.
- Find dampers, access doors, labels, actuators, sensors, cleanouts, and service points.
- Check hanger/rod/strap condition before the duct is hidden.
- Confirm vapor barrier continuity and how seams/tears will be sealed.
- Take photos of access points and special conditions before cover-up.
- Ask before wrapping over anything that future inspection, service, TAB, or cleaning needs.
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