ᐅ Potential defects in installed mechanical ventilation ductwork – concreting will be done today

Hello everyone,

I urgently need an assessment from someone with some experience in controlled residential ventilation, specifically regarding the installation.

Yesterday afternoon, the ducts were installed in the ceiling, the upper layer of reinforcement steel is currently being placed, and the concrete will be poured this afternoon.

Last night, I went through all the lines to check if everything looks okay. I found two issues:

1. Hole in the duct: however, it’s not possible to see inside the pipe, so I assume the duct has both an outer and inner wall and the hole does not penetrate the inner wall. My question is how serious this is: does this section of duct need to be replaced, is simply sealing it with strong tape like duct tape sufficient, or is this only cosmetic and can be concreted over as is?

2. Valve wrapped with tape: unlike the other valves, this duct in the valve is additionally wrapped with tape, and while the other valves have the second connection sealed with a plastic cap, this one uses tape. I assume a locking mechanism is damaged and the original cap is missing. Here again, how serious is this: does the valve need to be replaced, or is this just a pragmatic fix that can be left as is?

Unfortunately, my installer has been unreachable since yesterday late afternoon and according to the office is out all day today. The office is trying to reach him and has the photos I sent yesterday, but I’m thinking about what to do if the concrete arrives this afternoon before the installer can respond. If necessary, I may have to seal the hole myself with duct tape, which is better than nothing. Also, I’m worried that more holes might appear after the upper reinforcement layer is installed, which I would then have to address.

Thanks for your help.