Improve Indoor Air Quality with Home Remodel in Chicago

The building supplies you will use are one of the first things to consider throughout the planning phases. Some products, such as adhesives and bonding agents, can release formaldehyde into the air, lowering air quality. Breathing difficulties, severe allergic responses, wheezing, higher cancer rates, and asthma attacks are possible side effects. 

It’s also in pressed woods, some types of draperies, and some forms of foam insulation. Ensure that the adhesives adhere to paneling, upholstery, and carpets do not leave any pollutants behind. If they are existing, ensure that ventilation is increased both during and after competition of home remodel.

Flooring

The formaldehyde level of a floor is simply one of several elements to consider when selecting a floor. Choose flooring that will not be readily infiltrated by water, whether it is spilled or not. If water penetrates the subflooring, it can produce an atmosphere where moisture remains & bacteria or mold spores thrive.

These have the potential to pollute the air quickly. Additionally, avoid using carpets in locations where water absorption is more likely, such as near sinks, baths and showers, and toilets. Regular water exposure is unavoidable in these regions, making it challenging to dry moisture thoroughly and adequately before being exposed to moisture again.

Paint

Like replacing the windows, adding a new paint coat to a space is the ideal opportunity to ensure that any formerly used lead-based paint is carefully covered or removed. If you sand down an area with lead-based material below, you risk disturbing it and releasing it into the air. As well, don’t paint over any flaking areas since the flaking will endure after the new coat is done.

When choosing a new hue, look for brands that release the fewest chemicals and contain the most irregular volatile organic compounds. Avoid using any paints that contain mercury, and avoid using paints designed for outdoor use on inside work since they may release additional pollutants. Water-based emit fewer chemicals than oil-based, but you should double-check the emissions data before making a decision.

Windows

When it comes to saving energy & money, efficiency is undoubtedly a top consideration when replacing your home windows. The reduction in condensation that you are likely to notice is another advantage of high-efficiency choices. It eliminates another breeding source of mold and germs.

If your home is ancient, you should know that lead-based paint might be used here. Be mindful of this during home renovation and take advantage of the chance to have it removed or properly sealed. The continual action of closing & opening windows, on the other hand, might damage the paint, and lead particles might release into the air. Lead poisoning has a significant chance of causing major health problems, such as developmental difficulties in children, kidney impairment, and reproductive concerns. 

Ventilation

When it comes to increasing home ventilation, home remodel is the best time. Unclog any systems that may be clogged, slowing down the operation. Any outdated systems that aren’t working correctly should be replaced. In the bathroom, a well-functioning fan will aid in the removal of moisture and the prevention of mold and fungal growth. To manage moisture connected to cooking and decrease the risks of biological contaminants settling in, ensure the kitchen fan is whirring and running smoothly.

In addition to the fans almost certainly present in your home, renovation is the ideal opportunity to install additional ventilation. You may minimize pollutants and pollen that enter from the outside, as well as dust particles, pet dander, and other contaminants that might affect indoor air quality, by including filtration systems in your redesign.

With a new appearance and updated décor, home remodeling may change how you feel about your surroundings. It can as well help you feel better about yourself in terms of your health. When it comes to renovating your home, there are numerous factors to consider.

However, minor indoor improvements or repairs will dramatically deteriorate the air you and your family breathe to an unhealthy level. The rapid release of small particles from sanding, ultrafine dust, paints, fiberglass, mold spores, silicates, and a variety of other toxins into the air space will enter deep into your lungs. These particles are so tiny that they can bypass the filtering system in your lungs and into your bloodstream.

Furthermore, hazardous emissions known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) would likely permeate your home due to newly applied primers, lacquers, furnishings, and paints. The most vulnerable include children, asthmatics, immunocompromised people, and the elderly. Ideally, you and your family would be able to relocate while your home is being renovated, but this is not always possible.

So, let’s take a look at some methods to improve your home’s air quality while you’re renovating:

• When the home remodel Chicago project begins, the first step is correctly installing substantial plastic barriers around all workspace entrances, including doors. We propose using a double containment zipper system to avoid particle leakage when departing and entering the containment zone.
• Another thing that you should do to improve indoor air quality is renting a commercial-grade air scrubber. These are large-capacity air purifiers with easy-to-change filters that remove construction dust, air pollution, surface contaminants, pet dander & odors. It offers a healthier, cleaner & more well-organized home. You should place one air scrubber inside the confinement zone and the other outside the confinement zone. If this is not possible, invest in a few high-quality air purifiers, keeping in mind that you will need to change the filters frequently during the renovations. Until the home remodeling finishes, keep the air scrubbers or purifiers running at all times.
• In the bedrooms, use high-quality air purifiers. Because you’ll be sleeping here for at least five hours, make sure the air is pure by using high-quality air purifiers during the renovation process.
• Set up a system for producing negative air pressure. Air scrubbers are frequently fitted with a vent to the outside, allowing for negative air pressure. Negative pressure will be created by fans and duct tubing exiting a window, keeping construction dust and pollutants out of the cleanroom.
• Always try to use paints in your home which have no VOCs (volatile organic compounds) or odors. Traditional paints release a lot of hazardous chemicals, however, these paints don’t.
• Vacuum thoroughly throughout and after each day’s remodeling work to reduce collected dust pollutants that can become airborne due to the activity. After the remodeling, be sure to replace the vacuum’s internal filter.

• Nothing beats fresh air for dilution of dirty air. As a result, when your property is being renovated, make sure to open all windows.
• When utilizing a forced-air system, make sure the supply and return air vents are adequately covered. There’s no reason to carry the pollutants from the construction space into the other areas of the home.
• If you can afford to travel someplace, now could be the time to do it until the dust settles. You may get the air quality in your home checked before you come home to ensure that it is safe and healthful.

Wrap Up

If you’re hiring home remodeling contractors, discuss your indoor air quality concerns with them. Include the implementation of required control measures in the scope of work. Take pictures of any breaches in the containment, halt the work, and call the general contractor right once to get the flaws fixed before continuing. It may be the difference between your family’s health and the contractor’s paycheck!

Whether you live in a duplex, apartment, or condo, you must follow the measures outlined above when renovations happen outside your home. Other units’ renovations might have a direct influence on your air quality. Speak out and express your dissatisfaction. You have the right to clean air! Before you start your project, conduct a lot of research and adjust your plans to enhance your indoor air quality at the same time.

Contact Homednb for all of your home remodeling requirements, and let our trusted professionals transform your space while considering the indoor air quality! We constantly provide quality remodeling services at fair pricing to ensure that our customers are pleased with the project’s terms, budget, and completion.