Keep Rectangular Duct From Tipping or Collapsing During Staging

Fast answer

Stage rectangular duct on stable bearing points and in a stack arrangement that will not tip, rack, crush lower sections, or damage reinforcement.

What to check

1. Check the slab, dunnage, stack height, and weight distribution.
2. Keep large or awkward fittings from leaning unsupported.
3. Do not place concentrated loads on weak panels, access doors, dampers, or flange edges.
4. Recheck stability after pieces are removed or the stack is rearranged.

Do not

Do not climb on duct stacks or lean oversized fittings where one bump can send them over.

Ask the foreman

“This wide transition is leaning on its flange and the stack shifts when we pull a piece. Where do you want it supported before we continue unloading?”

Why it matters

Staging damage can make a good shop piece impossible to install square.