How To Control Dust During Demolition

Demo work creates a lot of dust. Not only does it make a mess, but if you inhale the dust, it could result in health issues. Luckily, you can take certain steps to reduce fine particles from floating in the air. In our article, we’ll tell you how to control the dust during demolition.

Understanding the Importance of Dust Control

Homeowners need to control dust during demolition for several reasons, which include:

• Cleaner work environment: When you control dust during a demo, your cleanup is easier. It also prevents dust from spreading into other parts of your home.
• Equipment preservation: Reducing dust helps you to protect your tools that could get damaged by fine particles. 
• Health protection: Airborne dust particles can irritate the eyes, nose, and lungs, and could cause respiratory issues.

Now that we’ve covered the reasons why you want to control dust, we’ll dive right into our solutions.

Negative Air Machines: A Powerful Dust Control Solution

Our first recommendation to control dust during construction work is to use a negative air machine. These machines create negative air pressure inside the area where you’re working. This contains and filters dust particles.  

How Negative Air Machines Work

A negative air machine has three main parts:

• Exhaust hose
• High-efficiency filters
• Powerful fan

The machine draws in dusty air from the work area. That air passes through filters and removes particles and then the machine exhausts the clean air outside. Those filters will be filthy, but the air won’t be.

Choosing the Right Negative Air Machine

Since there are many negative air machines to choose from, here are some factors to consider when deciding which one to get:

• Filter efficiency: Look for machines with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.
• Noise level: Consider the machine’s decibel rating, especially if you’re working in a residential area. 
• Portability: Find a machine that’s easy to move and set up in different areas of your home.
• Room size: The manufacturer lists the cubic feet per minute (CFM) rating, so be sure to choose one that’s appropriate for your space.

In the video, Sweenor uses a negative air machine with two settings—600 CFM and 1000 CFM. A machine that has multiple settings allows you to adjust the air exchange rate according to the work area. 

Setting up a Dust Control System

Once you have your negative air machine, there are a few steps you’ll need to take before you can start your demo work. By following the instructions below, you’ll create a dust-controlled work environment: 

1. Seal off the work area: Use plastic sheeting and tape to close off all openings in the room except for one door.
2. Position the negative air machine: Place the machine near an exterior window or door for easy exhaust.
3. Install the exhaust hose: Attach the hose to the machine and route it outside through a window or door.
4. Create an air intake path: Leave one door open to allow clean air to be drawn into the work area.
5. Turn on the machine: Start with the highest setting to establish negative air pressure quickly.

Additional Dust Control Measures

You can use some other dust-control methods alongside your negative air machine to further reduce particles from entering other parts of your home. 

Wet Methods

Water weighs down the dust and stops it from circulating in a space. Use water to dampen surfaces before and during work by using the tips below:

• Apply wet-cutting techniques for substances, such as concrete or tile.
• Spray surfaces with water before cutting or breaking materials.
• Use misting systems in larger work areas to decrease dust spread.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Using proper personal protective equipment (PPE) will shield against dust exposure. Make sure everyone working on your project has:

• Disposable coveralls so that dust doesn’t stick to your clothes
• Respirators or dust masks that filter fine particles from the air
• Safety goggles to protect your eyes

Proper Cleanup Techniques

Another way to keep dust at bay is by using effective cleanup practices. Here are a few deep-cleaning strategies:

• Contain and dispose of dust and debris in sealed bags so that particles don’t disperse. 
• Refrain from dry sweeping, which can kick up settled dust.
• Utilize HEPA-filtered vacuums for thorough dust removal.

Best Practices for Dust-Free Demolition

There are a few best practices to keep your work area dust-free and safe. Following these guidelines will help you manage dust levels:

• Clean as you go: Don’t wait until the end of the project to start cleaning up dust and debris.
• Isolate the work zone: To block dust from entering other spaces, use plastic sheeting between the work area and the rest of the house.
• Maintain negative air pressure: Check that the negative air machine is effective.
• Monitor air quality: Use air quality meters to check that your dust control measures are working.
• Plan ahead: Check out the work area and locate where the dust sources are before you start your demolition work.

Dust Control for Specific Demolition Tasks

Depending on your project type, you may need to use a different dust control strategy. You can tailor your approach according to each demo task so that you remove it in the most effective way. Here are our suggestions based on the type of demolition.

Drywall Removal

Minimizing dust during drywall removal involves the following approach:

1. Score the drywall with a utility knife. This will minimize the dust created.  
2. Use a pry bar to remove sections of drywall.
3. Ask someone to help you so that they can hold a vacuum nozzle near the work area to capture dust at the source during your demo work.

Concrete Cutting

You may not realize just how much concrete cutting creates. Manage it with these strategies:

• Apply wet-cutting techniques whenever possible to suppress dust.
• Find tools with built-in dust collection systems to manage dust.
• Use local exhaust ventilation systems that are meant for concrete cutting.

Wood Demolition

When you have a wood demolition project, here are some tips to reduce the dust: 

• Choose hand tools instead of power tools when you can.
• Mist the work area to keep dust from kicking up.
• Use dust-collecting attachments on power saws and sanders to contain particles.

Our Conclusion

Demolition projects create a lot of dust. Not only do those fine particles make quite a mess, but they are also harmful to your lungs and eyes. Follow our strategies to minimize dust during construction and use PPE to protect yourself during demolition.