s010907 How to inspect heating ductwork under a slab?
Identifier: s010907
Date: 12/19/2001
Question
If heating ductwork lies below a concrete slab, am I required to remove the grilles in order to determine the condition of the otherwise inaccessible ducts?
Response
Yes, ducts and ductwork are part of the heating equipment and so should be inspected if they are accessible. In a duct-in-slab system where most of the duct work will not be accessible, you are required to perform a limited inspection by removing the grills and examining the ductwork immediately below, provided the grilles are readily accessible and removable (not fastened down, covered by furnishings, etc), and provided that adequate view of conditions in the ducts are not otherwise visible.
SoP section 8.1.A.1 requires inspector to inspect the installed heating equipment. Since ductwork delivers heat to the rooms, it is part of the heating equipment. The SoP defines inspect as: To examine the readily accessible systems and components of a building in accordance with these Standards of Practice, using normal operating controls and opening readily openable access panels.
Readily accessible is defined as: Available for visual inspection without requiring moving of personal property, dismantling, destructive measures, or any action which will likely involve risk to persons or property.
Readily openable access panel is defined as: A panel provided for homeowner inspection and maintenance that is within normal reach, can be removed by one person, and is not sealed in place.