Sofia Martinez
Hanging plastic for dust is a great way to control dust during remodelling or construction work. Dust barriers can be created by hanging plastic sheets and taping them to walls, ceilings, doorways, and windows. The thickness of the plastic depends on the application, with thinner plastic being adequate for most jobs, while thicker plastic is more resistant to punctures and tears. To ensure an effective dust barrier, it is important to seal all gaps and create an airtight seal. This can be achieved by using tape, furring strips, or zipwall poles, and covering openings such as windows and vents with plastic. Additionally, using a box fan facing outward can help pull dust outside, and covering floors with tarps or drop cloths provides further protection.
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What You'll Learn
Hanging plastic with tape
There are a variety of tapes that can be used for hanging plastic sheeting. Blue painter's tape is a common option, but it may not be strong enough to hold up the plastic and can be easily torn down by any pulls or tugs on the plastic. Heavier-duty options include Gorilla Tape and double-sided tape such as ShurTape. The Dolphin brand also offers poly hanging tape that is single-sided and supposedly easy to release.
One method for hanging plastic with tape is to drape the top edge of the plastic over a thin board strip, such as a 1x2, and prop it up against the ceiling with additional 1x2s cut to the proper length. Another method is to use furring strips nailed up with short 18-gauge pins. The plastic edge is doubled over and boards are run an inch or so in. This method will fall if the plastic is yanked on, but it is a good option for temporary dust barriers that need to be taken down quickly.
Pre-taped painter's plastic sheeting is also available and can be convenient for dust management. It comes on a dispenser roll with a built-in cutter and tape on one edge. To use it, simply stick the tape to the ceiling or another desired location, and then pull down the folded thin polythene sheet. This option is best for covering areas outside of the immediate workspace, as the plastic is very light and billowy.
In addition to tape, there are other methods for hanging plastic sheeting for dust containment. ZipWall poles are often mentioned as an effective but expensive option. PVC pipes can also be used to create a height-adjustable dust barrier. For doorways, zippers can be installed in the plastic sheeting to allow for access.
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Using poles
Choose the Right Poles
While you can purchase specialised specialised "zipwall poles", these can be expensive. A more affordable option is to use PVC pipes. Get two pipes, one 1" and the other 1.25" in diameter.
Prepare the Poles
Make four slots in the larger pipe that are about 1.5 inches deep and equally spaced around the perimeter. Ensure that the slots are parallel to the run of the pipe. You can adjust the height by sliding the inner pipe to the desired height; this setup will span anywhere from 6' up to 10' in height.
Hang the Plastic
Place the poles at the desired location, ensuring they are secure and stable. Hang the plastic sheeting on the poles, creating a barrier to contain the dust. You can use various types of plastic sheeting, such as poly or painter's plastic. The thickness of the plastic will depend on the specific needs of your project. For light jobs, 1 mil plastic is sufficient. If you need to pass through the barrier, use heavier plastic (4- or 6-mil) and consider adding an adhesive-backed zipper for ease of access.
Seal the Edges
To ensure maximum effectiveness, seal the edges of the plastic sheeting with tape. Use duct tape, masking tape, or painter's tape, depending on the surface you are taping to. For taping to walls, use masking tape or painter's tape to avoid damaging the finish. Completely seal the top and sides, and if you cannot seal the bottom edge with tape, lay a board across it.
By following these steps, you can effectively hang plastic for dust containment using poles. This method will help you create a barrier to minimise the spread of dust during construction, renovation, or demolition projects.
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Sealing vents
Identify the Vents:
Locate all the vents in the room or area where the renovation or demolition work will take place. This includes heating, air conditioning, and return vents.
Turn Off the System:
If there is a return vent in the space, you may need to shut off the HVAC system for a brief period during the work. Turning off the system for one to two hours while the work is in progress will prevent dust from being circulated throughout your home.
Cover the Vents with Plastic:
Use plastic sheets or thin plastic sheeting to cover the vents. Cut the plastic to an appropriate size, ensuring it is large enough to completely cover each vent.
Secure the Plastic:
Use tape to securely fasten the plastic over the vents. Painter's tape, masking tape, or more heavy-duty options like Gorilla Tape can be used. Ensure that the tape adheres well to the surrounding surface and the plastic, creating an effective seal.
Seal Doors and Windows:
In addition to sealing vents, it is advisable to seal off any doors and windows in the area. Use plastic sheets or plastic drop cloths to cover these openings, taping them on all sides while leaving a sliver of access for entry and exit. This will further help contain dust and prevent it from spreading to other parts of your home.
By following these steps and sealing off vents, you can effectively minimise the spread of dust during your renovation or remodelling project, making the clean-up process much easier.
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Covering windows
If you are working in an area where debris is likely to fall against the plastic, it is recommended to use heavier plastic or a plastic tarp, and to use a more substantial method to secure it, such as spring-loaded poles or furring strips. If you are using plastic sheeting to cover windows, it is important to tape it securely in place. Blue painter's tape is not recommended as it is likely to tear easily. Instead, use a stronger tape such as masking tape or a product with tape already attached, like pre-taped painter's plastic sheeting.
To cover windows with plastic sheeting, start by measuring the width and height of the window to determine the size of the plastic sheeting you will need. Cut the plastic sheeting to size, leaving a few extra inches on each side for overlap. Clean the window frame and surrounding area to ensure the tape will adhere properly. Apply the tape to the window frame, starting at the top and working your way down to the sides and bottom. Smooth out any wrinkles in the plastic sheeting as you go.
Once the tape is in place, attach the plastic sheeting to it, pulling it taut to ensure a snug fit. Overlap the edges of the plastic sheeting with the tape to create a tight seal. If necessary, use a blow dryer on a low setting to heat the plastic and make it more pliable, which will help create a tighter seal. Finally, check that the plastic sheeting is securely attached to the window frame and that there are no gaps or openings that could allow dust to escape.
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Protecting the floor
When hanging plastic for dust management, it is important to protect the floor to prevent dust from spreading and causing a mess. Here are some detailed steps and tips to effectively protect the floor during your project:
Choose the Right Plastic Sheeting:
Select a plastic sheeting that is thick enough to withstand punctures and tears, especially if it will be close to your work area. Thicker plastic will better contain dust and debris. However, if your work area is well-contained and you are concerned about the weight of the plastic, you can opt for thinner plastic sheeting. Pre-taped plastic sheeting is a convenient option, as it comes with tape on one edge for easy installation.
Prepare the Work Area:
Before hanging the plastic, ensure the floor in your work area is clean and free of debris. If there are any gaps or openings in the floor, use plywood or similar materials to cover them completely. This will create a smooth and even surface, making it easier to hang the plastic effectively.
Install the Plastic Sheeting:
When installing the plastic sheeting, start by attaching the top edge to the ceiling or cornice/coving using tape or thin board strips propped up against the ceiling. For tape, consider using aggressive adhesive options like Gorilla Tape instead of standard painter's tape to prevent the plastic from tearing down. If using boards, cut them to the proper length to wedge in from floor to ceiling. Once the top edge is secure, pull down the plastic sheeting and drape it over the entire area down to the floor.
Secure the Bottom Edge:
To secure the bottom edge of the plastic sheeting, you can use weights or similar objects to hold it in place. Alternatively, you can tape the bottom edge to the floor or use furring strips nailed up with short pins. If using tape, consider doubling over the plastic edge for added strength.
Create a Dust Barrier:
To enhance dust containment, combine the plastic sheeting with other dust barrier methods. You can use R-11 insulation between the framing, ceiling, and walls to create a friction fit that holds everything in place while allowing some airflow. Additionally, consider closing and covering air vents in the work area with plastic to prevent dust from spreading through the ventilation system.
By following these steps and adapting them to your specific work area and project, you can effectively protect your floor from dust when hanging plastic. Remember to select the appropriate thickness of plastic sheeting and secure it properly to create a dust-contained environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Any thickness of plastic will stop dust from going through it. The only reason to use thicker plastic is that it holds up better to punctures and tears. If you're worried about debris falling and puncturing the plastic, go with thicker plastic or a plastic tarp. If not, you can go as thin as you're comfortable with and tape it.
Blue painter's tape is commonly used to hang plastic for dust management, but it can easily be torn down by any pulls and tugs on the plastic. Masking tape is also recommended by some. An alternative to tape is to use furring strips nailed up with short 18 ga pins.
The best way to hang plastic for dust management is to completely seal the top and sides with tape to create a dust barrier. Taping to walls is usually easier than taping to woodwork. If you can't seal the bottom edge with tape, lay a board across it. If you need to pass through the plastic, use heavier plastic and add an adhesive-backed zipper.
Seal up all but one entrance leading to the room you're working in. Cover the floor with a tarp or drop cloth. Cover air vents and return and supply registers in the room with plastic or kraft paper. Avoid running the furnace or air conditioner until the project is finished to prevent the HVAC system from circulating dust throughout your home.
