Scratching/denting exposed spiral during staging

Exposed spiral in finished spaces is an appearance item - scratches, dents, and scuffs will be visible after painting and will come back as a punch-list item. Prevention is easier than repair.

Stop if

• This exposed spiral section has [scratches / a dent] from staging. Is the damage acceptable for touch-up, or does this section need to be replaced before it goes in?

Watch out

• Do not drag or beat up exposed spiral and call it rough-in.

Check

• When staging spiral sections for exposed areas: lay them on blankets, cardboard, foam, or other protective material - not directly on concrete or steel.
• Do not drag spiral pipe across rough surfaces. Carry or roll it on padded supports.
• If a scratch or scuff is already there: assess depth. Surface marks may be acceptable after approved touch-up, but deep scratches or gouges may require replacement.
• Dents are worse than scratches - a dent in exposed spiral often requires replacing the section because hammering it back out leaves a visible repair.
• Do not use the spiral pipe as a roller or lean other material against it during staging.
• Photograph damage before and after any staging-related contact so the origin is documented.

Steps

• When staging spiral sections for exposed areas: lay them on blankets, cardboard, foam, or other protective material - not directly on concrete or steel.
• Do not drag spiral pipe across rough surfaces. Carry or roll it on padded supports.
• If a scratch or scuff is already there: assess depth. Surface marks may be acceptable after approved touch-up, but deep scratches or gouges may require replacement.
• Dents are worse than scratches - a dent in exposed spiral often requires replacing the section because hammering it back out leaves a visible repair.
• Do not use the spiral pipe as a roller or lean other material against it during staging.
• Photograph damage before and after any staging-related contact so the origin is documented.

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