Pitfalls to Avoid Before and After Installation

Common Pitfalls Before Installation

• Skipping preparation steps: Fail to prepare subfloors, acclimate materials (e.g., flooring), or plan duct paths/duct sizes for HVAC systems, leading to poor performance or failures.
• Inaccurate measurements: Measure only once or in few spots, causing gaps, poor fits, or excess material waste in flooring, windows, or piping.
• Incorrect selection: Choose wrong anchors, AC unit sizes, or components without considering loadings, forces, or compatibility (e.g., per BS8539:2012 for anchors).
• Ignoring manufacturer guidelines: Overlook instructions, leading to mismatched diagrams, unclear labels, or untested assumptions about assembly.
• Poor planning for expansion or environment: Install expansion bellows without anchors/guides, or position thermostats near heat sources/sunlight.

Common Pitfalls During Installation

• Improper techniques: Incorrectly anchor expanding pipework, fail to seal ducts/wall gaps/piping holes, or miswire electrical components (e.g., live/neutral positioning).
• Rushing without training: Assume knowledge, skip flashing/sealing, or use wrong tools, compromising waterproofing and efficiency.
• Inconsistent instructions: Use outdated diagrams/text that don't match the product, causing confusion and errors.

Common Pitfalls After Installation

• No inspections: Skip checks for leaks, loose connections, or performance issues, allowing small problems to escalate.
• Failing to seal gaps: Leave wall/piping holes open, letting air escape or heat enter (common in aircon setups).
• No follow-up: Avoid re-inspections after weeks, missing settling issues like anchor failures or thermal inefficiencies.

To avoid these, measure multiple times, follow manufacturer/ETA instructions precisely, train installers, use selection tools (e.g., anchor software), and inspect thoroughly before/after.