Anyone use a Neg Air Machine in remodels
FlyingContractor
| Posted in Tools for Home Building on
Hey Guys,
I do alot of remodels with the homeowners still in residence. Been toying with the idea of investing in a negative air machine (like one for asbestos/mold abatement) to help mitigate all the dust that no matter how much plastic I put up still gets everywhere.
Anyone use one with success or am I wasting my money?
Thanks!
Replies
Yes, some.
They're pricy. Not very loud. You have to do a good job at cordoning off the area and sealing it for the unit to do what it needs to do effectively. A little bulky, but one guy can move it. It will add a few hours to a job, but thats hours setting up, which may be offset by hours cleaning up.
In favor, it is certainly something that clients would view as setting you apart from the masses - your concern for their air quality. And it may, albeit infrequently, get you a job for only that reason, but probably only if the client already has some kind of breathing difficulties or chemical sensitivities. But will it pull "x" out of the air? Yes. Everything. I think if its something you want to do, then go for it, but dont spend the grand and just use it. Market it. Make the thing one of the selling points in the arsenal.
Real trucks dont have sparkplugs
"t is certainly something that clients would view as setting you apart from the masses - your concern for their air quality."That's a great marketing tool. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
I've had great success with a attic vent fan built into box sized for a 20x20 filter. This is then installed in the window of the room I'm working on in the blowing out mode. Sealed up with a little cardboard and tape.
I use the finer filters from depot and I'm always amazed how heavy they are after a days demo.
I use a 20" 3 speed box fan I got at Taret or HD for $12. I am amazed that it is still running considering the #### it has digested. Put the fan in a window and crack two other windows in the area and you have a cheap neg air machine.
I have a friend who's a mold remediation contractor. Sometimes we borrow his Neg Air machines when were cutting concrete in a basement for example. They work great. They are hepa filtered and nothing gets through those filters. I mean nothing.
They do require a little time to set up a containment zone however. I guess you'd have to check out how difficult containment would be where you're gonna work. And you have to buy something to make containment out of. Lots of visqueen for example. And if you vent it to outside, you need the special tubing to run from the neg air to outside. And tape. Lots and lots of tape.
Is the setup and materials cost going to offset your cleanup costs? Will the homeowner be ticked off at the mess if you don't have a neg air?
Personally I love 'em when we are gonna be in a situation where we will fill the house with dust.
I have had great success with them.
I was in the abatement field for quite a few years.
It is important to vent the machines to the outside.
A sizable machine will change allot of air like a 2000cfm or even a 1500 cfm.
They can be found used and are way cheaper that way. A new main filter and your in business.
Jeb