The Truth About Drywall Joint Compound is a topic that many do-it-yourself enthusiasts overlook when they decide to patch a hole or move a wall. We understand that drywall looks like a harmless, chalky material that shouldn’t pose any threat to your lungs. However, the “mud” used to finish the seams in homes built before the 1990s often contains a cocktail of minerals designed to prevent cracking. Our team observes that when you sand this compound to make a wall smooth, you create a massive cloud of dust that hangs in the air for hours. Because the particles are microscopic, they can easily travel through the smallest gaps in your plastic barriers and settle in your furniture. We want to help you understand the hidden risks of this common building material so you can protect your respiratory health. Consequently, proper testing is the only way to ensure your home maintenance project doesn’t lead to long-term health issues.
How Joint Compound Was Manufactured
In the past, manufacturers added mineral fibres to joint compound to act as a reinforcement, similar to how rebar works in concrete. We find that this made the compound much easier to apply and prevented it from shrinking as it dried over the drywall tape. Furthermore, because these minerals were cheap and fireproof, they were used in almost every brand of drywall mud for decades. This means that nearly every wall in a vintage Calgary home has these fibres layered on top of the seams and screw holes. Even if the drywall itself is brand new, the old compound underneath could still be a major hazard during a tear-out. Our team emphasizes that you cannot determine the safety of the mud by its colour or texture alone.
The Dangers of Fine Dust Inhalation
The real danger of drywall work is not the big chunks of debris, but the fine dust that you can barely see. We see that when you sand a wall, the particles become so light that they float on the natural air currents in your home. Moreover, if you breathe these fibres in, they can stay trapped in your lung tissue for the rest of your life. Because the body cannot break down these specific mineral fibres, they cause irritation and scarring over many years. Our team finds that many homeowners accidentally expose themselves because they think a simple “nuisance” mask is enough protection. In reality, you need a specialized HEPA-filtered vacuum and a professional-grade respirator to stay truly safe during sanding.
Protecting Your HVAC System During Demo
Your furnace and air conditioning system act like a giant vacuum that sucks in air from every room and redistributes it. We find that drywall dust is so light that it is easily drawn into the return air vents during a renovation. Consequently, the dangerous fibres can be blown into your baby’s nursery or your kitchen even if you are working in the basement. Furthermore, the fine grit from the compound can damage the sensitive motors and sensors inside your expensive HVAC unit. Our team suggests sealing off all vents in the work area with plastic and tape before you start any demolition or sanding. This prevents the “hidden” spread of dust through the lungs of your home and protects your mechanical equipment.
Safe Cleanup and Disposal Procedures
Cleaning up after a drywall project requires much more than a broom and a dustpan, which only stir the dust back into the air. We are the Best Asbestos Removal Calgary experts for managing the final stages of a hazardous material cleanup. We use industrial HEPA vacuums that are certified to catch 99.97% of all microscopic particles. Additionally, we use “wet wiping” techniques on all surfaces, including walls and ceilings, to ensure no dust remains behind. This deep cleaning process is vital for ensuring that your family can move back into the space without any risk. We want to make sure your home is truly clean from top to bottom before you celebrate your new renovation. Please Contact Us to discuss safe removal and cleanup for your next project.
FAQ
Is all drywall mud dangerous?
No, modern drywall compound made after 1990 is generally safe. However, in Calgary’s many historic neighborhoods, the older mud almost always requires testing before you start sanding.
Can I just use a wet sponge to sand?
Wet sanding is a great way to reduce dust, but it doesn’t eliminate the risk entirely. If the material is hazardous, even the wet slurry needs to be disposed of as special waste to protect the environment.
Why is drywall dust so hard to clean?
The particles are so small and light that they have a static charge, which makes them stick to walls, ceilings, and fabrics. A regular broom just pushes them around instead of picking them up.
How many samples do I need for a room?
We usually recommend taking at least three to five samples from different walls and the ceiling. This ensures we don’t miss any “patches” that might have different materials than the rest of the room.
What should I do if I already sanded the walls?
You should turn off your furnace and leave the room immediately. We can help you test the dust and perform a professional HEPA cleaning to make the air safe for your family again.