Welmoed Posted October 7, 2013 Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 I did a "walk and talk" this afternoon for a client who was considering bidding on a house and wanted to know if there were any major big issues before putting in his offer. One issue I found is in-slab ductwork. I was able to get a few pictures but couldn't say what the ducting material appeared to be. I was hoping someone might be able to give me an idea of what the ducts are made of. Yes, I know a definitive identification would involve taking a sample and sending it to a lab or something. He's just concerned about the possibility of asbestos (house was built in 1956). Click to Enlarge 50.62 KB Click to Enlarge 48 KB Click to Enlarge 59.8 KB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Kibbel Posted October 8, 2013 Report Share Posted October 8, 2013 From what I can see in the photos, it looks like sheet metal that transitions to what is likely Transite (cement-asbestos). Common for in-slab ducts for that era. https://inspectorsjournal.com/forum/top ... C_ID=15495 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottpat Posted October 8, 2013 Report Share Posted October 8, 2013 I agree with Bill... Looks like Transite air duct. One plus is that I do not see standing water which is what I usually find with in slab air ducts! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inspector57 Posted October 8, 2013 Report Share Posted October 8, 2013 I agree, looks like asbestos on at least parts of the system. On the plus side, in slab ducts were a dumb idea the day they were installed and need to be replaced. Seal it off on both ends and the asbestos won't hurt anyone until they bulldoze the house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted October 8, 2013 Report Share Posted October 8, 2013 In the third picture, I see a spiral seam. That's not typical of transite - at least not the transite in my area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Dirks Jr Posted October 9, 2013 Report Share Posted October 9, 2013 In the third picture, I see a spiral seam. That's not typical of transite - at least not the transite in my area. Good catch. But I don't know, there could be various types. Here's an interior of transite. See the linear composition? Click to Enlarge 55.81 KB Here's an exterior shot showing the dimpled nature of the surface. Click to Enlarge 76.59 KB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark P Posted May 29, 2014 Report Share Posted May 29, 2014 So when you suspect the ductwork in the slab in transite what do you recommend. Click to Enlarge 47.43 KB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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