The creation of dust during construction and remodeling activities is a common problem among contractors. To reduce cleanup, contractors often want to contain dirty and dusty areas as much as possible. The best way to do this is to invest in dust control supplies. Dust control includes anything that limits the spread of debris to a single well-contained area. Dust control products include temporary barrier systems, plastic sheeting, floor and cabinet coverings, shoe covers, and other supplies.

Contractors should use dust control because it’s a great way to save money and impress customers. Dust control products improve customer satisfaction and increase referrals by showing them that you care about minimizing clutter from dust, debris, and other building materials. Since the dust control contains dust generated in the work area, it makes cleaning faster and more efficient, saving you money on labor costs.

Temporary barrier systems like ZipWall create a small area in a home or business that is physically isolated from other spaces. These temporary barriers are a great way to limit dust to a single room, making final cleaning quicker and easier. They are typically made of durable aluminum posts that extend from floor to ceiling and securely hold down plastic sheeting to create a temporary wall. Using temporary dust barriers with plastic sheeting is a cost-effective way to minimize the spread of dust. If workers choose to seal off a single room, rather than build a full temporary barrier, they can use a temporary door cover that works just as well.

Requiring workers and subcontractors to wear personal protection is also an effective way to control dust. Using waterproof shoe covers over muddy boots ensures that homeowners don’t have to deal with a footprint mess in their homes. Waterproof shoe covers are especially important for builders who work in cold, wet or snowy conditions during winter.

Another thing to consider is keeping the air ducts clean. Dust and debris can get into vents and floor registers and can degrade air quality. Filtered air vent covers and air vent filter bags are a great way to prevent debris from entering HVAC systems. The ProVent Filter is an OSHA approved reusable ventilation protection device that filters dust and can be used while the heater is on during construction work. Another effective ventilation protection is the Jimmer Ventilation Filter Bag. The Jimmer is a sealed breathable filter that allows the HVAC system to function during construction or renovation activities. Duct Protection Film is another cost-effective way to prevent particles from entering your vents.

Sticky mats (also known as sticky mats) are also an effective tool to prevent the spread of dust. If an adhesive mat is placed at the entrance to each door, dust and debris from uncovered shoes stick to the mat rather than being swept into the work area. Using sticky mats is also great for customer service; Homeowners love to see that contractors are taking extra steps to be respectful and clean during the construction or renovation process.

If you are a general contractor working on a hospital renovation project, controlling dust is a legal requirement to ensure patient safety. Dust from remodeling or renovation can contain toxic molds and other harmful particles, and with the compromised immune systems of many hospital patients, these particles can be deadly. Very often during hospital renovation projects, contractors will need to use HEPA vacuums and air cleaners, which filter 99.7% of potentially toxic particles from the air. HEPA vacuums and air cleaners can also be used in conjunction with mobile containment units, creating a portable, easy-to-build enclosure. In the compound, workers can access ceiling panels or walls without worrying about the spread of dust. Mobile containment units are OSHA approved for hospital renovations.

These are just a few of the most popular dust control methods for construction and renovation. For more information on these products, or on dust control in general, visit Builders Site Protection at www.buildsitepro.com.