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  1. #1
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    Default Damaged Flex-duct from cleaning

    Today I had the pleasure of inspecting a newer home with flex-duct air ducts. The home had its air ducts cleaned and on the first floor I found 7 or of 10 ducts damaged at the registers. Needles to say the owner is not happy, was not happy and the company that did the cleaning is long gone!

    It amazes me that people would think that they could clean a plastic accordion air duct with a bristle brush and that it would not be damaged.

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    Scott Patterson, ACI
    Spring Hill, TN
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  2. #2
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    Default Re: Damaged Flex-duct from cleaning

    WE know why that duct cleaning business is long gone now don't we?

    rick


  3. #3
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    Default Re: Damaged Flex-duct from cleaning

    I guess that explains the high heating bill and lack of heat.

    www.aic-chicago.com
    773/844-4AIC
    "The Code is not a ceiling to reach but a floor to work up from"

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Damaged Flex-duct from cleaning

    Quote Originally Posted by Scott Patterson View Post
    It amazes me that people would think that they could clean a plastic accordion air duct with a bristle brush and that it would not be damaged.

    Even when we tell them that will happen, they listen to the shysters who then convince the poor suckers ... er ... home owners that the ducts will not be damaged.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  5. #5
    A.D. Miller's Avatar
    A.D. Miller Guest

    Default Re: Damaged Flex-duct from cleaning

    Quote Originally Posted by Scott Patterson View Post
    Today I had the pleasure of inspecting a newer home with flex-duct air ducts. The home had its air ducts cleaned and on the first floor I found 7 or of 10 ducts damaged at the registers. Needles to say the owner is not happy, was not happy and the company that did the cleaning is long gone!

    It amazes me that people would think that they could clean a plastic accordion air duct with a bristle brush and that it would not be damaged.
    SP: So then, am I to understand that you inspect the interior of air ducts during your usual inspection?


  6. #6
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    Default Re: Damaged Flex-duct from cleaning

    Quote Originally Posted by A.D. Miller View Post
    SP: So then, am I to understand that you inspect the interior of air ducts during your usual inspection?
    You don't?

    I look into floor registers and also wall or ceiling mounted air registers while looking over the room. You would be surprised at how many I find that are half attached, not attached, missing the duct altogether, or I find insulation in them. I'm only looking at the top or end of the duct. I do not scope the entire air duct.

    Does not take that much longer. I do not get a ladder and open closed vents and if the cover is screwed down on the floor I don't remove it. Most floor covers are just sitting on top of the vent.

    Scott Patterson, ACI
    Spring Hill, TN
    www.traceinspections.com

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Damaged Flex-duct from cleaning

    I agree with Scott, did it at every one.

    All is takes is a couple of seconds and you Ultra Stinger flashlight.

    I've found the ceiling boot not cut out, which meant the duct was not attached, and in an area where there was no access to the attic for me to see it in the attic or for the HVAC guys to fix it in the attic.

    Like Scott, I've also see the things he mentioned.

    I have not, however, seen duct destroyed by duct cleaning, I just knew it could / would happen. I now have seen just what I tried explaining to everyone, and I can now say that I KNOW it can happen (which seems to mean more than just stating common sense that something would happen).

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Damaged Flex-duct from cleaning

    I do the same as Scott and Jerry (did). I don't unscrew but do look inside and lift off as possible. It never ceases to amaze me how many boots are either poorly connected or not at all. I've saved many a client a lot of problems and probably myself as well.
    I always turn the HVAC when I get to the house so it's running while I'm walking around. If I don't readily feel airflow, I start snooping.

    www.aic-chicago.com
    773/844-4AIC
    "The Code is not a ceiling to reach but a floor to work up from"

  9. #9
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    Default Re: Damaged Flex-duct from cleaning

    Scott,

    Can I use one of those photos (with a photo credit) to show what can happen?

    Michael Thomas
    Paragon Property Services Inc., Chicago IL
    http://paragoninspects.com

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Damaged Flex-duct from cleaning

    Quote Originally Posted by Michael Thomas View Post
    Scott,

    Can I use one of those photos (with a photo credit) to show what can happen?
    You can use them all, just give me credit if you don't mind.

    Scott Patterson, ACI
    Spring Hill, TN
    www.traceinspections.com

  11. #11
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    Default Re: Damaged Flex-duct from cleaning

    This is the same house and same vent in the first photo.

    The ended up replacing 7 flex duct runs, each between 15-20 feet.

    Cost the owner right at $1200 to have the work done!

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  12. #12
    A.D. Miller's Avatar
    A.D. Miller Guest

    Default Re: Damaged Flex-duct from cleaning

    SP will be asking for royalty fees next.


  13. #13
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    Default Re: Damaged Flex-duct from cleaning

    Quote Originally Posted by A.D. Miller View Post
    SP will be asking for royalty fees next.
    Not a bad idea! It might help me pay for my Obamacare medical plan!

    Scott Patterson, ACI
    Spring Hill, TN
    www.traceinspections.com

  14. #14
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    Default Re: Damaged Flex-duct from cleaning

    Quote Originally Posted by Scott Patterson View Post
    Cost the owner right at $1200 to have the work done!

    Plus the original cost of the duct tearing ... er ... I mean ... duct cleaning job.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  15. #15

    Default Re: Damaged Flex-duct from cleaning

    I check all ducts at registers as well. Not only to look for duct issues, but I often see dead carpenter ants in them......


  16. #16
    Join Date
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    Default Re: Damaged Flex-duct from cleaning

    Quote Originally Posted by Scott Patterson View Post
    It might help me pay for my Obamacare medical plan!
    Certainly cannot be any worse than the BushIdonotcare medical plan!


    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

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