We are embarking on a journey that is called remodeling. I will attempt to walk you through some elements that are common to almost every project. Eventually we can follow a particular project from start to finish, but for now, we will look at snapshots of various projects as they progress through the journey of remodeling.
One of the initial areas that we try to cover when talking to our clients about starting their project is the whole area of dust and dirt. We try to be up front about what we anticipate and the steps that we take to try to minimize the amount of dust and dirt that will be generated. Most importantly we describe the measures that we put in place to try to reduce or restrict the migration of the dust and dirt throughout the rest of the house.
Let’s take a look at some of the items that are used to try to control the dust and dirt of remodeling.
Plastic Wall In Family Room Plastic Hallway From
with Zipper Door Installed Entry to Kitchen
1. Plastic Walls – Separating the workspace from the remaining living space is accomplished using a divider made of plastic sheathing. These walls are generally installed from floor to ceiling. In most cases, a wall system is used to expedite the installation and fastening of the plastic to the walls, floors and ceilings
Zipper Door Installed and Open
2. Zipper Doors – Access needs to be maintained between the living space and the work area even after the plastic walls are installed. Zipper doors are a convenient way to keep the spaces sealed off and yet maintain the necessary access. Also, zipper doors can be installed in existing doorways to effectively seal off specific rooms and hallways.
Carpet Floor Protection Installed Plywood Floor Protection Installed in
High or Heavy Traffic Areas
3. Floor Protection – In some cases the room that is being worked on is at the back of the house or on the second floor and the only access is through the front door. What to do to protect the tile, carpet or hardwood flooring from the rigors of the everyday traffic during the remodeling project? We install floor protection in the form of self-adhesive plastic runners that are specifically made to apply to carpet, tile and hardwood. They are designed to tightly adhere to the floor surface without the danger of tripping. In some cases, we use carpet runners or luan plywood to protect flooring from high levels of heavy traffic.
Tack Mat Installed At Doorway to
Catch Dirt on Bottom of Shoes
4. Tack Mats – These can be compared to fly paper for dirt. These are placed at entry and exit points of the workspace. These mats trap dust and dirt from the bottom of worker’s and visitor’s shoes upon exiting the work area. These go a long way in containing the dust and dirt inside the containment area and cuts down on clean up outside of the remodeling area.
We need to reiterate the fact that we do what we can to control and contain, however, remodeling a home will always generate dust and dirt particles that find their way to the uttermost parts of the home. We will do our best to minimize the affected area, but cleaning will be a necessity, even outside of the remodeled area.
Next Time… Project Log #2 – Demolition
Q&A&C – Questions and Answers and Comments are expected and welcomed.
YOUR STORY – Tell us about your remodeling experiences, good or bad. We all have had them and perhaps you can help someone else have a great remodeling experience or avoid the issues that you encountered. Remember…keep it clean and civil or we can’t publish it.