mitigate dust from cutting quartz countertop?
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| Posted in Construction Techniques on
I am a homeowner re-doing my kitchen. The installer says that the quartz countertops may have to be cut onsite to fit.
So I’m concerned about the dust. I intend to tape plastic sheeting over the doorways, and am considering purchasing the Zipwall barriers (do they work well?)
I also want to know if MERV 12 or 13 filters in my HVAC air handler would capture the dust?
The installer says they use a vacuum with their equipment (presumably HEPA), but I’m still concerned. Any thoughts?
thank you,
-Christopher Allen
Replies
My sub cut outside
If you’re concerned that much about dust find a countertop guy who will share your concerns and cut outside.
Dust was never a problem with my subs. Proper templates and excellent dust collection tools are the norm.
Taping plastic sheeting (6mil Poly)over doorways with a ZipWall zipper is a great idea. If you have areas larger than a doorway where the plastic won't be able to be supported by painters tape only, then the ZipWall telescoping pole system really does work great. We use them all the time when doing work in occupied hospitals.
Your HVAC handler filters may capture a portion of the dust, but I would not rely on that. Not to mention the fact that you don't want to contaminate any of your ductwork with that dust. (not that it is dangerous, but why dirty your ducts if you don't have to?) If you're doing dust-generating work in a room, you should cover all of the return air vents. Is your contractor going to be replacing your HVAC filters and cleaning the ductwork after the project? Probably not...
Even with the best HEPA dust collection tools, there will still be dust.