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Topic 2 – Protection, Hoarding, and Documentation

Construction documents

Renovations require construction documents to outline the work to be done. The construction documents may be needed to clarify the work done joining the new structure with the old.

Drawings for renovation projects are the same as for new construction. Both

contain the dimensions, symbols, notes, and schedules to provide the information needed to construct the building. These drawings identify the areas of the building to remain, and the areas to be renovated.

Specifications may also be included on the drawings or in a separate document. Specifications identify materials to be used and may also indicate if any materials are to be removed and reused. The specifications may also give details on how the new renovation structure will be connected to the existing building.

Materials for Protecting the Structure

Care must be taken to protect the existing structures and room finishes during both the demolition stage and construction phase of the work. Some materials used for protection:

• Poly
• Cloth drop sheet
• Cardboard
• Plywood or panel products
• Tarps
• Shoring

Poly

Poly (polyethylene) is often used for controlling dust, covering areas such as floors and walls to protect them from paint and as a cover material for some hoarding structures. Poly in rolls is available in different thicknesses from a light utility grade to a construction grade for heavier applications. A “Mil” is a term that designates the thickness of the poly with the higher the mil number the thicker the poly.

The thickness of the poly to be used depends on the work conditions and time frame of use. The higher the traffic in the area and use time, the thicker the poly. Also, if the poly can be reused for work later, a heavy grade poly would be better as it will last longer.

Cloth drop sheet

Cloth drop sheets also provide protection in light to medium traffic areas. Drop cloth sheets come in different grades of thickness, from lighter cotton up to heavier canvas. Some clothes also have a rubber or plastic backing to prevent moisture from leaking through.

Like poly, a drop cloth is used to control dust and as cover sheets to protect from paint spills or overspray. Drop clothes are not used in hoarding structures. Some advantages that drop cloths have over poly are:

• more durable and can be used many times over
• more stable – won’t slide when walked on and will not slide off when placed over furniture.

 

Cardboard

Cardboard can be used on floors and counters to prevent damage to those surfaces from impact. It can be taped in place to keep intact and to keep debris from getting underneath. Cardboard is available in rolls or sheets. Rolls of cardboard come in a single face corrugated so they have one side flat and the other side wavy. This wavy side allows the cardboard to bend and gives more cushion for protection.

One disadvantage of cardboard is that it is not waterproof. If there is a risk of moisture, covering the cardboard with poly will help protect the cardboard.

Plywood or panel products

For protection over a long period of time or with a heavy traffic load, a solid sheet wood product is likely the best option. Wood panel products are available with thickness from a 1/8 inch to 3/4 inch. The thickness chosen will depend on job requirements. Heavier or longer work, thicker wood panel. In some cases, taping the joints on sheet products may be needed to eliminate debris from falling through cracks and damaging the finished surface.

Tarps

Tarps are more durable than poly. Tarps are available in different materials such as polyethylene, vinyl, and canvas. Tarps also come in a range of grades (thickness) from light duty to heavy duty. Insulated tarps also have a layer of insulation between the two outer layers. Most tarps have grommets (reinforced holes) on the outer edges which are useful for tying down with ropes.

Tarps are water resistant and are a good choice for use outdoors. Tarps can be used to cover roofs, exposed walls, foundations being poured, etc. Tarps may also be used as the cover in hoarding structures and are attached to the framework.

Shoring

Shoring is the process of supporting a structure in order to prevent collapse while renovation work is being done. Shoring can also refer to the materials used in the process. Shoring materials include beams, posts, framing lumber, and scaffolding equipment.

Shore posts can be made of solid wood or metal with proper size/strength to support the load being carried. Beams can be made from solid wood, built-up lumber, engineered wood, or metal. The beam size is determined by the span distance between the posts and the weight of load from the building being supported. For sizing beams, refer to the span tables in the NBC.

Hoarding

Hoarding is the term for any temporary structure or fencing around a construction site for safety, protection from weather or to maintain heat within the building while construction is occurring.

A simple hoarding would be a temporary fence, set up to surround a construction site and keep it secure from the public. A more complex hoarding is a constructed framework covered in a sheet material like poly or tarps to enclose a part of a building being renovated and exposed to the weather. On the inside of a building, hoarding may be used to separate the area under construction from the rest of the building still being used during the renovation.

Two main types of hoarding used are:

Environmental Hoarding

Environmental hoarding provides protection from the weather when the exterior of the building is being renovated. In winter, this enclosed space can also be heated so work can continue.

Containment Hoarding

Inside a building, hoarding may be set up to contain dust and debris in one area and keep from the surrounding area. This would especially be used for removal of hazardous materials like mould or asbestos. The hoarding contains the contaminants in a small zone for safe removal and disposal. Hoarding must be sealed so that hazardous materials, dust, or debris do not escape the hoarding.

 

Setting up hoarding:

• Hoarding should be constructed so it does not interfere with work to be done in the surrounding area.
• The materials used to construct the hoarding must be adequate to withstand any wear and tear.
• Hoarding must be secured and braced adequately so that it will remain in place while the work around it is progressing.
• For scaffolding framework for an enclosed hoarding, the scaffolding must be secured to the building every 3 m vertically and horizontally.
• If hoarding is above a traffic area, a framed and covered walkway can be made to protect workers below from any falling objects or material.
• If light is needed inside the hoarding, a clear or transparent sheeting material (like poly) can be used for providing outside light during daylight hours.
• When the space inside the hoarding is heated, use insulated tarps to retain heat.
• When heating inside hoarding, make sure there is adequate clearance around heaters to avoid damage to hoarding or risk of fire.
• If the air quality is poor inside the hoarding, some air ventilation may be required.

Review Questions

  1. True or False: Renovations require construction documents.
  2. What are 6 types of materials that can be used to protect finishes and structure?
  3. What are two common uses for poly?
  4. What advantages would a drop cloth have over a poly sheet?
  5. How would you be able to keep dirt and debris from getting under your cardboard covering?
  6. True or False: The use of cardboard is suitable as protection on an exterior deck.
  7. When removing a brick fireplace, what type of covering should be used to protect hardwood flooring that is to remain?
  8. What would be suitable to cover the floor in a high traffic area during renovations?
  9. What type of material would be best suited to protect a roof during renovation?
  10. Give an example of containment hoarding.
  11. Give an example of environmental hoarding.
  12. What type of hoarding must be sealed? Why?
  13. What material can be used to gain outside light when constructing an enclosed hoarding?

Answers

  1. True
  2. Poly, drop cloth, cardboard, plywood or panel products, tarps, and shoring
  3. Containment hoarding (dust), protecting from overspray
  4. Can be reused, won’t rip as easily, and won’t move or slide off as easily.
  5. Taping the joints and edges
  6. False
  7. Thick sheet material (plywood)
  8. Thin sheet material.
  9. A tarp
  10. Using poly to contain dust, making sure joints are taped off.
  11. Hoarding in an exterior wall so brick work can continue through the winter months.
  12. Containment, to prevent dust and/or fumes from infiltrating through the hoarding.
  13. A transparent or translucent sheeting material (poly).

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Carpentry Refresher Program Manual Copyright © by Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies-Trades and Industrial is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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