When searching for a dustless floor removal company you need to make sure you do proper research. I have come across many companies that claim to be dustless, but unfortunately, are not. Here are some questions you should ask when considering a dustless floor removal company:
What type of vacuums and filters are being used?
Some companies that claim to be dust free place a HEPA filter on a shop vacuum, like those seen at home improvement stores. These vacuums are strong, but not for this type of work. Make sure the company you choose is using an industrial vacuum with more than one HEPA filter per unit to keep your home clean.
How do the tools work?
When your floor is being removed you need to make sure the company is using their tools properly. All their removal tools should be connected to their industrial HEPA vacuum, NOT a shop vac. When the tools are properly attached, the dust from your floor will be collected at its source, thus preventing it from ever becoming airborne.
How is the dust being extracted?
If a company tells you they use fans or air scrubbers to funnel the dust out a window or door, HANG UP. This method is in no way dustless. Fans and air scrubbers are good, for NON-dustfree removal only. A truly dustless company makes sure dust is collected at the source by an industrial HEPA vacuum.
What do you do with the floor once it is removed?
Once the floor is up, it should be placed into a containment bin that is also attached to an industrial HEPA vacuum. If a company tells you they will use a shovel or throw the dust and debris into a garbage can or bin, with no means to collect the dust, HANG UP. The dust will rise out of the garbage can or bin and fill your home.
Will you be using a rider (riding floor stripper) when removing the floor?
Some floor removal companies use riding floor strippers to remove tile. These machines are great to use, but are not meant for dustless tile removal. They can remove a huge amount of square footage in a short period of time, but make a huge mess when removing tile. This is a machine we use when we do NON-dustfree tile removal.
Once the floor is removed and properly contained, how do you get the thinset, or adhesive, up?
This can be the dustiest part of the whole removal, if not done correctly. Most of the time, a grinder should be used to remove thinset or adhesive. The grinder should also be attached to an industrial HEPA vacuum. Sometimes the thinset or adhesive will have to be broken down first, if it is too thick. Adhesive can be scraped with a razor, then grinded. But, as for thick thinset, a chipper or breaker with a heavy duty blade will need to be used. However, if a company doesn’t have the right attachment or vacuum, this will fill your home with harmful dust. Once removed and grinded, your slab should be smooth.
There are dustless companies out there that do take pride in their work and will make sure to keep your home dust free during the process. However, be mindful of those that claim to be dustless. Just because they use a high powered shop vac with a HEPA filter doesn’t make them dustless. I hope this has helped and you feel better prepared in your search for a dustless floor removal company.