Question 1

How much does duct repair cost?

Accepted Answer

Duct repair across SoCal residential typically runs $385–$1,800. Specifics by damage type: separated/disconnected joints $385–$685 per location; crushed/damaged sections $485–$1,200 per section; animal-damage repair $585–$1,485 plus separate pest remediation; water-damage repair $785–$1,800 plus mold remediation referral; post-fire NADCA-protocol cleaning + section replacement + sealing $1,200–$3,500; original install defects requiring redesign $785–$2,200. The diagnostic visit is $89 standard, $149 after-hours, and waived if you proceed with the repair.

Question 2

How is duct repair different from duct sealing?

Accepted Answer

Duct repair addresses physical damage — separated joints, crushed sections, animal damage, water damage, fire damage. The work is physical: reconnect, replace damaged section, mastic + mesh tape, R-8 wrap. Aeroseal duct sealing addresses diffuse leakage from many small gaps throughout otherwise intact ductwork using aerosolized polymer that bonds to leak edges from inside. Different problems, different solutions. If your ducts have specific damage, repair is the right call. If your ducts are intact but leaking 25–35% of total airflow into the attic, Aeroseal is the right call. We diagnose first and tell you which it is.

Question 3

Should I repair my ducts or replace them?

Accepted Answer

Repair makes sense when the damage is localized to specific sections and 70%+ of the system is in good condition. Replacement is the right call when you have 30+ year old galvanized showing systemic deterioration, multiple separations across multiple sections, asbestos-containing ductwork from 1950s–1970s, or are doing a major renovation that changes home layout anyway. We do not push repair on a system that is past its useful life — it wastes your money. We will tell you honestly at the diagnostic. See duct installation if replacement is the answer.

Question 4

Do you handle post-fire smoke damage in ducts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Post-2025 fires (Pacific Palisades, Altadena) have driven a lot of smoke and ash damage repair work into our queue. The protocol: NADCA-standard duct cleaning to remove ash and smoke residue, replacement of any damaged sections (heat-deformed flex, melted insulation, scorched register boots), full sealing with mastic + mesh tape, and post-work documentation for your insurance claim. Range $1,200–$3,500 depending on system size and damage extent. We provide before/after photos and itemized invoices formatted for insurance submission.

Question 5

What is the most common duct damage in LA homes?

Accepted Answer

Separated joints. Roughly 25% of our duct repair calls are flex duct that has slipped off the rigid trunk connection — original installer used cheap zip ties instead of proper mastic + mesh tape, the mastic dried and cracked over 15+ years, and the flex eventually pulled loose. The next most common: crushed sections (about 20%) from storage piled on attic ducts or from prior techs stepping on flex during unrelated work. Animal damage (about 15%) is third — rats, raccoons, opossums chewing flex in older LA homes with attic access points. We do not handle pest remediation; we refer a specialist while we replace the chewed sections.

Question 6

How long does duct repair take?

Accepted Answer

Localized repair on accessible damage: 2–4 hours on site, typically same-day from diagnostic. Major repair (multiple sections, water/fire damage, redesign work): 1–2 days. Most of our duct repair is one-visit work. We schedule the diagnostic first ($89), provide a written quote on the spot for accessible damage, and proceed the same day if you approve. After-hours diagnostic is $149.

Question 7

Will my homeowner's insurance cover duct repair?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. Water damage from a covered loss (roof leak from storm, plumbing burst) frequently includes duct work in the claim. Fire and smoke damage from a covered fire event is almost always included — that is much of our post-Palisades and post-Altadena repair work. Animal damage is typically not covered. Wear-and-tear from age (separated joints on 20-year-old flex) is not covered. We provide photo documentation, itemized invoices, and damage descriptions in the format insurance adjusters expect. Whether the carrier accepts the claim is between you and your adjuster — we cannot guarantee that.

Duct Repair in Southern California — Disconnected, Crushed, Damaged Ductwork

Common duct damage we repair

When duct repair vs Aeroseal vs full replacement

Duct repair process

Real-world example

Service area

Frequently Asked Questions

Service Area Dispatch