How to Reduce Dust in Unfinished Basement
We all know that there are many things to consider when renovating a basement. So many steps have to be taken into account, from the finishes of the walls and floors to how you will use it once finished. But one thing often overlooked is dust. Dust is not only an eyesore but can also cause health issues for you and your family if not dealt with correctly.
Dust is a common problem in unfinished basements. It can be found floating around on the floor, settling on furniture and items, and even seeping into your home’s air ducts.
This blog will help you reduce dust in your unfinished basement by showing you how to seal up cracks and gaps with caulk or weather stripping so that dust particles stay outside where they belong! Here are some suggestions on how to reduce dust in the unfinished basement!
10 Ways on How to Reduce Dust in Unfinished Basement:
Unfinished basements have great potential for home renovations but also have a fair share of problems. One of which is dusty floors and surfaces. While there are several ways to reduce dust in the unfinished basement naturally, the following steps will detail some proven methods from experienced remodelers:
1) Use an Air Barrier System to Reduce dust
Plastic sheeting and duct tape aren’t just for the roof. They’re also an effective way to reduce dust in the unfinished basement. Using a plastic barrier will prevent particles from entering through any holes or cracks around exterior walls, pipes, and other abnormalities in the foundation.
2) Install Floor Joists to Keep Surface Dust Down
The easiest way to keep surfaces dust-free is to install floor joists. Floor joists are boards that run perpendicularly across the basement ceiling. This will support shelves or other decorative pieces, like mirrors or rugs.
3) Place an Air Filter on Interior Doors
One of the most common entry points for outside air is through interior doors. To combat this, place an air filter on interior doors to keep dust levels at a minimum. Doing so will reduce the risk of builders taking in too much dirt during their workdays, which will inevitably end up all over the basement floor.
You Can Check It Out to Measure Dust in the Workplace
4) Spread Graywater into Sawdust Instead of Dump Truck
When working with concrete, it’s essential to keep sawdust away from the rest of the basement. To do so, ask workers to spread the sawdust into the concrete by using buckets or wheelbarrows. This can reduce dust levels in unfinished basements that don’t involve dump trucks, which kick up a lot of dirt when they leave a site.
5) Employ a Negative Air Machine
A negative air machine is an air filtering system that will pull the dust away from the surface. Not only will it reduce the amount of dust in unfinished basements, but it’ll also increase the number of clean workdays during construction. Ask your remodeler if they have been using any to help you determine what is best for your unfinished basement.
6) Use a Good-Quality Dust Mask
Wearing a dust mask is one of the most basic ways to reduce dust in an unfinished basement. Investing in a good quality mask is recommended, as it can save you from years of breathing harmful particles into your lungs. Just make sure to ask your contractor what mask they recommend so you can use it during construction.
7) Ask Contractor if Healthy Building Practices are Used
Unfinished basements that are undergoing remodeling should be handled using healthy building practices. If the contractor you’re hiring uses these methods, then your chances of reducing dust levels in unfinished basements will increase. An experienced contractor will also help you identify areas in your basement that need to be covered or sealed off to make the site healthy.
8) Open Windows and Exterior Doors for 30 Minutes Daily
Opening windows and exterior doors for just 30 minutes each day is another way to reduce dust levels in unfinished basements. When possible, it’s best to do this when the outside temperature is more relaxed. This will prevent warm air from entering the basement and mixing with the cool, dusty air that’s already there.
9) Avoid Using a Shop Vacuum
Shop vacuums are just as bad for your lungs as using a traditional vacuum cleaner indoors. If you have to use a shop vacuum in an unfinished basement, make sure it’s used sparingly. It’s also important to ask your contractor if they have access to vacuum cleaners that are better for the environment.
10) Use Portable Dust Collectors
The last step for reducing dust in an unfinished basement is using portable dust collectors. Ask your contractor to use a dust collector when pouring concrete in the basement, and remind them that it’s not a substitute for wearing a mask. It can’t hurt to ask!
You Can Check It Out to Clean Up Drywall Dust From Concrete
Some Tips and Suggestions:
1) Dust is a common problem when working with a new kind of material, in our case, drywall. To minimize the amount of dust in your basement, always spray water on the drywall before using a sander or drill. This can reduce the amount of dust that will fly into your face and lungs by up to 85%!
2) Another common dust-producing tool is a grinder. The sparks that come off these grinders can be hot enough to cause fires, so always wear protective gear (goggles, mask) whenever you use one.
3) You can reduce the amount of dirt swept up with your broom by using a Shop Vacuum instead. This limits how much dust is kicked up into the air and deposited on surrounding surfaces.
4) If you are finished with your basement project for now or want to allow somebody else to work in there, you should always wet mop the floor before letting anybody back into the room. This ensures that nobody is tracking extra dust across the house.
5) When sanding drywall or cutting, try to stay in one area of the basement. This prevents dust from being spread too far and creates a larger workspace that is easier to clean after work.
Conclusion:
You must take the time to complete your basement, as it will significantly increase its value and make it a better space for living. While finishing a basement can be expensive, there are many ways to cut down on costs.
If you have an unfinished basement with dust problems, consider investing in a dehumidifier or installing air conditioning vents if available. You may also want to check out our blog post on reducing dust in unfinished basements for more tips! We hope this blog post will help you reduce dust in an unfinished basement!
