In the world of home renovations there are many fears. The one fear common to all contractors and clients alike is the fear of drywall dust. Many renovators assure clients that the dust will be cleaned up, and try as they might, the dust seems to reappear despite best efforts.

However, drywall dust can actually be a homeowner’s best friend as there are a number of hidden benefits that are often overlooked.

Things to do with drywall dust

• Lost your pen, can’t find a piece of paper? Write down those important things in the dust on a table.
• Need to find your pet in a hurry? Follow the trail of drywall footprints.
• Need to sneeze? Forget looking at a light, just having the drywall dust in the air will give you all the right conditions for a great big Ahchoo!
• Want to be an amateur detective? Examine fingerprints in the dust. Soon you will have all the skills as Sherlock Holmes.

Renovators fall into two camps; those who clean up dust right away and those who wait until later. For the most part now or later does not matter, as many renovators have not really taken the time to understand dust and how to properly deal with it. At ServiceBlocks Inc., our renovation team takes the time to look at problems and find practical solutions.

Our solution to drywall dust is simple and follows the following principle; dust on the move will never be caught!

• Contain: Seal off heating vents with plastic to protect the heating and ventilation system.
• Wait: Let dust settle to the floor.
• Cover: Apply a layer of Sweeping Compound – available at most building supply stores or janitorial supply.
• Sweep: Sweep the compound covered dust into a pile.
• Pick-up: Shovel piles into large heavy-duty garbage bags – 3-millimeter or better – and make sure no other items allowed in those garbage bags. A ripped bad will cause more clean-up time.
• Dispose: Remove garbage bag from worksite.
• Wipe Down: Wipe all walls and ceilings with a damp large automobile sponge, changing the water when streaks appear.
• Vacuum: Now is the time for the shop-vac with a HEPA filter. Start with the people on the job, removing dust from their clothing. Then vacuum the walls, nooks and crannies, then the floors and corners around the work area to pick up any remaining dust.
• Result: A clean works site ready for the next day’s work.
• Repeat: Stay on top of the process, by the end of the job the dust accumulation will be at a minimum, while the client appreciation will be at the maximum.

With this plan in mind, you will never have to fear drywall dust again.