Assessing Ductwork: Perils, Problems, and Factors in Claims Decisions

Many HVAC claims require some attention to ductwork. After all, the ductwork carries the heated or cooled air from the HVAC system to the rest of the building, whether it’s a home or business. As an adjuster, you don’t have to be an expert to be confident when handling claims that include ductwork. Here are a few basics about frequent perils that affect ductwork and what to consider to ensure accurate evaluations for a fair resolution.

What Perils Are Most Likely to Impact Ductwork?

Just about anything could impact ductwork, given the right circumstances (lightning can strike into an attic and hit a duct, for example, but that’s uncommon), and the cause of loss can drastically affect your customer’s claim. A number of problems can affect ductwork, but the four most common perils we see are water, microbial growth, smoke and fire, and infestation.

 

Water

Water damage to ductwork can come in a variety of different forms. Water can inundate an area from a flash flood, roof leak, or damaged appliances (i.e. water heater, bathtub, dishwasher, etc.). If this happens and the ductwork is in the basement/crawlspace or if the returns are in the floors, water can easily get into the ducts. Another way water damage occurs is due to condensation (also called “sweating) in the ductwork. Depending what the ducts are made from, the water can be absorbed or cause cracks or tears, compromising the structural integrity or causing leakage and potentially even leading to other losses.

The clear water line and buildup in this ductwork are evidence of water damage.

 

Microbial Growth

Microbial growth thrives in places with high humidity. If moisture is introduced, ductwork becomes an ideal breeding ground for growth and bacteria. Of course, the ducts carry air throughout the house, not only spreading the spores or bacteria for people to breathe in but also potentially carrying it to other areas, allowing it to spread and cause more damage elsewhere.

Microbial growth is common in and around ductwork that is exposed to moisture.

 

Smoke and Fire

If a fire breaks out in an insured location, damage to the ductwork is likely. Even if the flames themselves never touch the ductwork, smoke travels very quickly and easily, meaning that the ducts are likely to have at least some smoke damage. If the HVAC system is running during the fire, the smoke can spread to the entire system, causing damage throughout. Ducts move the air we breathe in air-conditioned environments, so if there’s smoke and soot in the ducts, the occupants are likely to smell it. Moreover, if the flames did impact the ductwork directly, the structural integrity of the ducts themselves could be compromised.

Soot and ash can build up in ductwork even if it was not directly affected by the flames.

 

Infestation

Plenty of critters like to find dark places for shelter, and unfortunately, ductwork fits the bill. Sometimes a claim might come in that is caused by mice, rats, raccoons, squirrels, or even an armadillo (yes, it has happened; we’ve seen some weird things). These little creatures can wreak all kinds of havoc on an insured’s ductwork – feces can create odors and cause sickness, urine can cause metal ductwork to rust, scratches can compromise the structure of the ductwork – all of which needs to be addressed in order to maintain the health and safety of the insured location.

A raccoon has made a mess of this ductwork.

Things to Consider When Making Ductwork Claims Decisions

Ductwork isn’t as straightforward as some other components of HVAC can be. There are several factors to take into consideration when you’re making a decision on a claim that involves ductwork. You want to think about:

 

• The Type of Ductwork: The type of ductwork used on the property will not only determine the cost of returning it to pre-loss condition but also how to achieve this restoration.
• The Extent of Damage/Amount of Ductwork Damaged: This is probably the most straightforward aspect of ductwork evaluation – if more linear feet of ductwork is damaged or if the damage is too great, it may not be worth it or even possible to clean or repair it.
• HERS Testing in California: Any time certain alterations or replacements are made to an HVAC system in California, testing is required using the Home Energy Rating System (HERS). This testing may require the ductwork to be replaced (depending on how much ductwork is in question), and you need to take this into account when trying to restore insured equipment to pre-loss condition. For more on this, check out our HVAC Regulations Guide for Adjusters.
• Whether You Can Clean, Repair, or Replace: You need to figure out which course of action will most efficiently and effectively bring the insured’s ductwork back to pre-loss condition. Replacement is sometimes necessary, but don’t assume it’s best for all claims. Ductwork may only need a good cleaning or repair, and applying one solution to all situations can lead to inaccurate settlements.

 

Make the Right Decisions in Your Ductwork Claims

As an adjuster, it’s not always easy to determine the best course of action for a ductwork loss or how to restore the insured’s equipment to pre-loss condition. Even if you’re not an expert, you can ensure you’re making the right call by arming yourself with fundamental knowledge and obtaining an unbiased expert assessment.

HVACi’s nationwide network of vetted and trained technicians perform industry-leading assessments on HVAC and refrigeration systems, including a variety of ductwork. Submit an assignment to learn how an inspection based in just the facts can lead to accurate claim resolution.