Dust containment is important to maintaining air quality and preventing contamination to other areas of a building or home. The best plastic sheeting for dust containment systems depends on a few different factors regarding the area being contained and your goals in containing the area. Ask yourself these questions when deciding the best plastic sheeting for your project:
- Do you require fire retardant materials due to building and safety codes?
- Is there potential for damage to occur while moving things around?
- Are you protecting an ESD-sensitive area?
- Do you need privacy or want to prevent others from seeing what’s going on?
- Does your dust containment system need UV protection?
- Will your dust containment system require a negative air machine?
Plastic sheeting is incredibly versatile. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, which is why, at Americover, we pride ourselves on understanding the application of your project to provide the right solution. Understanding your options is the most effective way to choose a product that will meet your needs.
Call us at 760-388-6294 to receive personalized support from our dedicated account managers!
Best Plastic Sheeting for Dust Containment Systems
6 Mil String-Reinforced Plastic Sheeting
6 mil string-reinforced sheeting is the most commonly used material for dust control, with 6 mil thickness being the requirement for most containment systems. The sheeting is made with a 3-ply laminate combining layers of linear low-density polyethylene film with a high-strength polyester scrim specifically engineered to provide a heavy-duty, lightweight material that won’t rip or tear. String-reinforced plastic sheeting is an ideal solution for temporary containments, dust barriers, equipment coverage, and temporary wall coverings.
10 Mil Heavy-Duty Plastic Sheeting
For jobs that require a combination of brawn and finesse, we recommend 10 mil heavy-duty plastic sheeting. Combined with quality material, a thicker sheeting solution provides additional protection against scratches, tears, punctures, and other damage that would allow dust to infiltrate surfaces.
Fire-Retardant and Antistatic Sheeting
Antistatic and fire-retardant containment sheeting is especially necessary for construction dust control in the telecommunications industry, which requires all materials stored overnight to be “completely covered” with a fire-retardant tarp clearly marked to meet NFPA 701 or UL214 standards. Schools, hospitals, and residential complexes usually have similar requirements.
Antistatic fire-retardant sheeting not only prevents the buildup of static electricity to mitigate the risk of fire, but it also repels dust from reaching your walls and surfaces in the first place. Antistatic sheeting is the contractor-preferred surface protection solution. If your planned renovation is in an area with lots of electronic equipment or in a commercial space, antistatic fire-retardant poly is your best bet.
Common applications for antistatic fire-retardant plastic sheeting include:
- Dust Containment
- Dust Partition
- Equipment in electrical rooms and data centers
- Partitions
- Temporary walls
- Building enclosures
Tip: It works well with Zipwall®️️ Dust Barrier Poles and similar dust containment systems to create a temporary wall up to 20 feet high without ladders or tape.
Specialized Surface Covers for Dust Containment Systems
Rapid Wall Cover Pre-Taped Poly
Builders and contractors looking for a light-duty material that will cling to virtually any surface can rely on Rapid Wall Cover Pre-taped Poly®️️ by Americover. This cover is made with a non-adhesive film pre-attached to a non-transferring painter’s tape that quickly and flexibly covers everything from walls and doors to furniture, appliances, and more. The cover is great for remodeling projects because it’s easy to install and leaves no damage when removed.
Carpet Cover Self-Adhesive Carpet Protection
Carpet cover, or “carpet masking,” is a go-to solution for home dust control during a renovation. Carpet Cover Self Adhesive Carpet Protection, while only 3 mils thick, is surprisingly strong and able to withstand heavy foot traffic.
Many contractors prefer Americover’s carpet cover because it is amazingly durable, puncture and tear-resistant. This high-tech, water-based adhesive system has major benefits over solvent-based systems in that it won’t discolor or dye the carpets. Plus, it has a clean release for easy removal without adhesive transfer – simply roll up the dust and dirt into the film when you’re finished.
Multi-Surface Covers
Large-scale construction projects call for an industrial-strength, multi-surface cover that can be used for floors, sinks, tubs, cabinets, countertops and just about any other hard surface. A water-based adhesive system like that on Americover’s Multi-Surface Cover with Self-Adhesive Protection is beneficial for easy removal with no residue. This solution can last up to 45 days, serving as a “second skin” to the items covered.
Other Materials for Dust Containment Systems
Correx®️️ Boards
Corrugated Plastic Boards or Correx®️️ Boards are flame-retardant corrugated polypropylene panels available in a range of thicknesses. Used in a variety of applications, though especially popular for dust containment and control, the Correx®️️ Board is extremely versatile, lightweight, and reusable for construction and temporary protection. The product is tough, durable, waterproof, weatherproof, and exceptionally lightweight. Correx®️️ Boards are an excellent and cost-effective solution for protecting floors and surfaces during construction or renovation.
Duct & HVAC Covers:
For most commercial renovations or construction, covering the ducts is a necessity to prevent dust buildup from accumulating in multiple areas of the building. To cover the ducts and protect the HVAC system in the building, try our DuctCap Duct Cover Bags. Made with virgin polyethylene and an elastic opening designed to seamlessly conform to the size and shape of the duct, our duct cover bags prevent damaging moisture, dirt particles, and dust and debris from entering the air handling system.
Sticky Mat Tacky Mats
The best way to prevent dust buildup and contain it is to address the source of the issue – in many cases, shoes. Just like no one is allowed into a cleanroom without proper foot protection, anyone coming in and out of the contained area during a construction project should have to take proper measures to avoid carrying dust and debris from room to room. A good solution for this includes Sticky Mats, which remove dust and dirt from the bottom of your shoes to prevent dirt from spreading throughout the building or construction site.
Trusted by Growers, Builders, and Distributors
Americover is the smart source for plastic and polyethylene sheeting. Trusted by contractors and distributors across the construction and agriculture industries, our American-made products combine reliability with quality and innovation.
As an Americover customer, you will receive the personalized support of a dedicated account manager to simplify the ordering process and ensure the best solution for every one of your projects. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions and fulfill orders Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. If you would like to speak with a representative, call us at 760-388-6294 or contact us.