Ross and Witmer When you are renovating your home, the process can reduce your indoor air quality and expose your family to many different irritating or potentially dangerous substances. Maintaining indoor air quality while remodeling can be difficult, but here are a few tips that can help.
Plan Ahead With Your Contractors
Have your home inspected before the remodel to find any potential problems that have to be dealt with beforehand, such as mold growth, lead paint, asbestos or radon. If any of these substances are present, they should be removed by professionals to avoid disturbing them during the remodel process. Also, consult your HVAC contractor to determine how to protect your HVAC system, and consult your remodeling contractor to form a cleaning and dust abatement plan.
Prepare the Work Area
- Cover any HVAC vents in the work area with plastic to avoid getting dust into the HVAC system and distributing it throughout your home.
- Seal of the work area from the rest of the house using plastic sheeting in doorways or other access points, where possible.
- Use fans to draw air out of the work area to the outdoors, which will create negative pressure and prevent dust and chemicals from traveling into other areas of your home.
- Make sure the work area is cleaned and vacuumed at the end of each day.
Beware of VOCs and Chemicals
Many building materials, such as lumber, paints and carpeting, contain volatile organic compounds that can harm your indoor air quality and your health. Choose products with reduced VOC content when possible and provide plenty of ventilation during the off-gassing period. Schedule work during times your home is unoccupied if possible and read the manufacturer’s safety information for any materials, paints or chemicals used during the remodel.
For more information about maintaining indoor air quality while remodeling, including products that help to clean the air, check out Ross and Witmer’s indoor air quality services or give us a call at 704-392-6188.