This is the fourth in a series of DIY: Do-It-Yourself Bathroom remodeling articles. Previous articles include information on: Design & Planning, Budget & Layout, and City Building Permits.
The Challenges of Renovation Work
In many ways, renovation work can be even more challenging than new construction. One significant factor is the co-existence of work areas and living areas. Consider the following:
- In new construction, the property line is also the perimeter of the jobsite, whereas remodeling projects such as a bathroom renovation typically involve only one portion of the home.
- The homeowner often occupies the surrounding living space during construction.
- In order to access the work areas, construction waste and materials are often transported through the surrounding living areas.
- There is a significant risk of damaging property in the home and contaminating the home with debris during construction, especially while transporting materials.
- This construction debris often consists of small particulate matter that can proliferate throughout the home if left unchecked.
- Such particulate matter often poses a health and/or safety risk. At the very least, this type of material is difficult to remove and often requires the expense of professional cleaning services.
These issues can be minimized with proper isolation and protection techniques, including using a temporary dust barrier or zip wall.
Setting Up a Dust Barrier or Zip Wall
Isolating the work area involves setting up a temporary barrier between the work zone and the occupied zone. This does tend to make accessing the work area more cumbersome, but the payoff is a clean and habitable living space during construction. Most homeowners would agree that it's worth the extra effort and cost.
Zipwall Barrier Products manufactures a dust barrier system that is easy to use and very effective, but the cost can be prohibitive for some. The inexpensive DIY alternative is to seal openings to the work area with a double-tape and poly system:
- At the entrance to the work area, adhere a minimum 4" wide strip of painter's tape all the way around the door opening, including the floor. When complete, there will be a 4" wide "outline" of painter's tape around the perimeter of the door opening. (see photo 1)
- Measure the height of this "outline" from the center of the tape on the floor to the center of the tape above the door casing. Measure the width as well using the same method.
- Cut two pieces of 6-mil poly that, compared to your measurements, are approximately the same height (or slightly larger) and about three quarters of the width.
- Affix the first sheet of poly to three sides of the taped outline using highly adhesive construction sheathing tape, like Tuck Tape or similar. Beware - only adhere the sheathing tape to the painter's tape, which was installed to protect the wall finish! (see photo 2)
- Install the other sheet of poly to the opposite side of the door opening using the same method, so that there is a vertical overlap between the two sheets of poly.
Now the door opening is sealed with two sheets of poly that overlap to form an access. The adhesive zipper from Zipwall greatly improves this assembly. With it, a single piece of poly can be installed the full width of the opening, and then access is made available with the adhesive zipper - so easy that it makes buying the zipper a no-brainer. It also provides a better seal than the overlapping sheets. Cost is minimal when purchasing the zipper on its own.
Even with this assembly in place, some dust will escape. Having two layers makes it far more effective. Install one on the bathroom door and another one to seal off the adjacent area - this will maximize the dust containment.
Floor and Wall Protection
The finished flooring and walls in the rest of the home are especially vulnerable to damage during a renovation project. It's really easy to nick the walls or damage door trim while transporting a large object. The constant foot traffic damages flooring, especially when dust and construction debris are ground down underfoot.
This can be avoided using a combination of 6-mil poly secured with the double-tape system, and other protective materials such as 1/4" hardboard and kraft paper. Remember, only adhere painter's tape to finished surfaces. This Old House has a really good article on installing floor protection.
Safety and Cleanliness
Having a clean work site improves safety. Eliminating dust and debris means there will be less risk of slipping. Isolating the work area prevents inadvertent access by little ones or unknowing guests. The containment of potentially hazardous particulates also benefits the health and safety of the home's occupants - both during and after the renovation work. Just having a cleaner, more comfortable living environment during construction is well worth the extra effort.
The next DIY: Do-It-Yourself Bathroom article will be on Demolition.
DISCLAIMER: the information herein is provided free of charge for general guidance only. Use of such information is AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Yee Jee Tso - Yee Jee has over 15 years of professional experience in the film and television industry with more than 50 credits - behind the camera in ...
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