Next time you’re walking a job site, watch out for ductwork that isn’t sealed and protected. We’ve all been to the dentist or doctors offices and we notice dirt and dust collecting around the diffusers in the ceiling. That’s because the ductwork wasn’t sealed during construction. Once ductwork is dirty, it can never be truly cleaned. When we sweep on the job site, dust rises and gets settles in the ductwork, causing issues for the entire life of the building. The dust and dirt inside the ductwork migrate everywhere. Many think that sealing and protecting ductwork is only necessary on LEED certified projects. However, LEED references SMACNA guidelines for duct cleanliness. While the “Advanced Level” in SMACNA indicates “all ductwork shall be sealed,” make sure your client is aware that regardless of LEED, ductwork should be protected and the cleanliness expectations outlined in the appropriate contracts to prevent future dust mitigation.
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