Ductwork Cleanliness Before Sealing

Should I clean the joint surface before applying sealant? What cleaning method for this substrate?

I'm checking ductwork cleanliness before sealing at [location]. I found duct joint with visible dirt, oil, or debris before sealant application. Should I clean the joint surface before applying sealant? What cleaning method for this substrate?

Stop if

• Hold point on ductwork cleanliness before sealing: I have the location, photo, drawing/detail, and what was checked. Who should verify before this gets cut, covered, lifted, sealed, energized, or signed off?

Watch out

• Don't apply sealant over dirty or oily surfaces. Don't seal without wiping joints first.

Check

• room/grid/area
• photo of condition
• drawing/detail
• manufacturer/model if visible
• what I already checked

More in Sealing, Leakage, Mastic & Pressure Testing