Low emissions and a healthy indoor climate when renovating: how to go about it

A lot is released during a renovation: dust from sanding and drilling, odours from paint, adhesive and sealant, and moisture from plaster and grout. You notice it during the work, but also for days or weeks afterwards. A healthy indoor climate therefore starts with the choice of your materials and with how you work. This blog explains how to limit emissions and dust, ventilate well and protect yourself. Where possible we let the source speak: the data from Kerakoll Group on air quality research come from the company's own website.

👷 Calling in a professional is never superfluous. If you suspect asbestos or mould, or if there is a lot of dust, work with solvents or poor ventilation, call in a professional. Rules apply to work that releases hazardous substances, and a professional knows them.

What is indoor air quality?

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is about what you breathe in at home. During a renovation, these matter most:

• Dust: from sanding, drilling, grinding, plastering and demolition.
• Volatile substances (VOC): released by some paints, adhesives, sealants and cleaners.
• Moisture: from plaster, cement screeds and grout that must dry.
• Odours and irritants: can cause headaches or irritated eyes and airways.

For a healthy home you limit the source, ventilate and protect yourself.

What does Kerakoll say about emissions?

The official website of Kerakoll Group states that the health of users is one of the main criteria in designing its products. The company says it tests products according to strict international measurement standards for indoor air quality. The GreenLab research centre houses an IAQ Lab (Indoor Air Quality) dedicated to research on emissions, with 16 constantly operative VOC chambers managed by software. Concrete measurement results per product are on the technical data sheet and in the manufacturer's product documentation. So read the technical data sheet and safety data sheet for each product, especially for interior work. In our blog on the Kerakoll tile system you can read more about the system.

Choose products that suit a healthy indoor climate

1. Read the label and the data sheet. Look at warnings, odour and instructions for use.
2. Where possible choose low-emission products. This is often stated on the data sheet or in the product documentation.
3. Do not buy too much. Leftovers and open cans keep smelling.
4. Use water-based products where possible. Paint, primer and sealant come in different forms. Always check suitability for the substrate.
5. Let products cure. Follow the drying times on the packaging.

For tiling, think of an adhesive such as Kerakoll H40 gel adhesive, white and a grout such as Kerakoll Fugabella Color grout. Also read the data sheet to check the classification.

Limiting dust

• Vacuum instead of sweeping. A construction construction vacuum cleaner keeps dust inside the machine.
• Cover up. Use masking film and masking paper for floors, furniture and doorways, and tape seams with blue painter's tape. Read more in our blog on masking tape and protective film.
• Work enclosed. Close doors to other rooms and put a damp towel under the door.
• Work wet where possible. A damp surface raises less dust.
• Clean up daily. Dust that stays behind gets back into the air later.

Ventilating during and after the work

• Open windows for a draught, preferably on two sides of the room (cross ventilation).
• Use an extractor or a window when working with paint, adhesive and sealant.
• Also ventilate after the work, certainly until the products are dry and cured.
• Do not heat a room too strongly to dry moisture faster without ventilating. That makes moisture condense.
• In a bathroom, provide moisture extraction and seal your joints properly with neutral sanitary silicone. Read more in our blog on resealing a bathroom with new silicone.

Houseplants add atmosphere, but do not replace ventilation.

💡 Plan noisy or dusty jobs in the daytime and let the room air with open windows afterwards. That way you do not sleep in a damp or dusty room.

Paint and finishing

Painting at home? Use a velour roller and a paint tray, ensure good ventilation and close cans immediately after use. A deep-penetrating primer may be needed for the substrate. Keep everything you do not need out of reach.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Dust mask: an FFP2 dust mask filters dust, but not all vapours. For solvent vapours a mask with the right filter is needed. Consult the safety data sheet or have the job done by a professional.
• Safety glasses: a safety goggles protects against dust and splashes.
• Gloves: work gloves with nitrile coating protect your skin against adhesive, paint and cleaner. See our buying guide for work gloves.

You can read more about safe working in our blog on safe working on the construction site.

⚠️ Suspect asbestos in old boards, floor coverings or insulation? Stop work and call a certified asbestos remover.

When do you call a professional?

• For suspected asbestos, mould or major moisture problems.
• For work with solvents or large amounts of dust.
• In a poorly ventilated space or rooms with vulnerable occupants, such as young children, the elderly or people with asthma.
• If in doubt about the products.

A professional is never superfluous.

Checklist

• Labels, technical data sheets and safety data sheets read.
• Dust limited: covered, vacuumed, doors closed.
• Windows open during and after the work.
• Mask, glasses and gloves on.
• Products closed properly and tidied away.

Frequently asked questions

What is VOC?

VOC stands for volatile organic compounds. They are released by some paints, adhesives and cleaners and can affect the air in the home. The data sheet often has more information.

How long should I ventilate after painting?

Follow the instructions on the packaging and ventilate until the smell is gone. Be careful in bedrooms and rooms where vulnerable people stay.

Do houseplants help against dust and fumes?

Houseplants add atmosphere, but do not replace ventilation or dust control.

What does Kerakoll test in the IAQ Lab?

According to the Kerakoll Group website, the IAQ Lab researches emissions, with 16 constantly operative VOC chambers.

Read also: Sustainable tile adhesive and grout: what to look out for

Read also: How to remove mould from walls

Read also: What is GreenBuilding Rating? Explaining sustainable building products

Where can you find everything for this job?

At Saniso, the online store for DIYers and professionals, you will find tools, materials and personal protective equipment for your job.

• Browse our construction tools and our workwear and safety.
• Create a customer account and order easily.
• Working on a bigger project or want to hand over the job? Request a project quote.
• Book a showroom visit, at least 24 hours in advance.
• Not sure which material suits your job? Get in touch with us.

In doubt about the approach? Feel free to call in a professional.

Saniso – Build your home with Saniso.