Whether your family is growing or you’re just bored of the same layout, home renovations are a great way to switch things up around your living space. The aftermath though, is not something you’d be thrilled about. Fine layers of dust can find themselves on almost any surface — even places you never knew existed!
While you may think the job is complete once you’ve found a reliable demolition company in NYC, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The good news, however, is that there are plenty of tips and tricks to keep your home dust-free throughout the process.
1. Prepare the Space
1. Evacuate and Remove All Your Belongings
This is probably a no-brainer, but before the professionals get to demolishing, you need to make sure you’ve removed everything that’s not serving a purpose out of the way. Personal items, small furniture, appliances, decorations — you name it. Anything you don’t want dust on needs to be gone.
2. Wrapping Up What Can’t be Moved
Anything that you can’t move, say heavier furniture or pianos, needs to be wrapped. You’ll want either a thick tarp or sheets to cover the items and then some tape to make sure it’s snug.
3. Create a Single Entrance/Exit
If you’re getting your kitchen redone, there’s no need for your bedroom doors to be ajar. At times like this, when dust can get practically anywhere, make sure you’ve closed all doors.
2. Set Up Dust Barriers
1. Cover the Floors
Mopping your floors after demolition is no fun, which is why you need to go the extra mile to make sure you don’t have dusty floors. Ideally, you’ll need 6-mil polyethylene plastic sheets to cover the floors and kept in place with masking tape. You can even add an extra layer of protection with foam if you’re feeling up to it.
2. Don’t forget the Walls
During home renovations, walls are perhaps the most neglected part of your home. Don’t make that mistake! You’ll need to cover your walls as well to prevent them from accumulating dust and debris.
3. Set up a Zip Wall
If you’ve got any doors or other openings that can’t be closed, setting up a zip wall can do you some good. This special plastic sheet will allow you to move to and from the space, without letting dust escape.
4. Block the Vents
You’ll be surprised to know just how much dust settles into the vents. Turn off your HVAC system and block off all vents to prevent dust accumulation.
5. Take It Outside
Anything that can be done outside — sawing, sanding, or cutting — should ideally be done outside. If you hire a professional demolition company in NYC, chances are you won’t have to ask them twice!
3. Micro-Cleaning and the Big Clean Up
1. Invest in a Shop Vacuum
Your home is bound to get dirty during a renovation project, but doing a little cleaning every day can help prevent a home that’s beyond cleaning. When it comes to sucking up dust and debris, a regular vacuum just won’t cut it. You’ll need something powerful and heavy-duty such as a shop vacuum. If you notice some extra fine layers of dust that just won’t budge, try misting your vacuum filter before running it.
2. The Final Clean Up
Once your project is complete and looking great, the final clean-up is going to make the final look really pop. Remove the plastic sheets, masking tape, zip wall, and any other barriers you set up. Dispose of them properly, and get to cleaning!
You can even consider renting an air scrubber, which sucks in dusty air, filters it, and blow it out. Run the air scrubber for the entirety of your clean-up and enjoy extra clean air once you’re done!
Also Read: Essential Precautions to Consider Before a Residential Demolition
Keeping Dust at Bay — the Right Way!
Keeping dust under control during a demolition project doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these tips, you can enjoy your renovation without the mess.
If you’re looking for a professional demolition company in NYC, check out Delta Demolition. We speed up the job and demolish everything safely by keeping safety measures in mind. Give us a call today!
