When hospitals undergo renovation projects, patient, visitor, and staff safety is crucial. Infection Preventionists, Facilities Managers, and Project Managers face a significant challenge: selecting dust barriers that exceed ICRA Class IV requirements, blend seamlessly into the environment, and minimize disruptions.
Dust Barriers: Investment vs. Expense
Reusable RealWall™ dust barriers offer significant cost savings compared to traditional drywall barriers. While the initial investment may seem higher, RealWall pays for itself after just 3–5 uses. These durable barriers can be reused on hundreds of projects over several years, virtually eliminating future temporary containment costs.
Jerry Baker, Executive Director of Construction at W.E. Bowman, shared his experience with temporary drywall barriers:
“Every project required us to create temporary drywall dust barriers, which we would then discard—wasting both time and money,” Baker said. “These barriers provided no long-term value to our company or our clients. Additionally, they required more time and money to construct, and we had to build a temporary plastic wall and create a negative air environment before even starting the metal stud wall.”
W.E. Bowman needed dust barriers that:
- Exceeded ICRA Class IV requirements
- Were reusable and cost-effective for multiple projects
STARC’s RealWall met these needs, providing a competitive edge by:
- Reducing renovation noise by up to 50%
- Offering the appearance of a real wall
- Ensuring quick and easy installation
- Delivering superior durability
“Our return on investment with STARC has paid off. In healthcare, you need a product with proven endurance,” Baker added. “We know our STARC panels will last for years and can be used on hundreds of projects.”
Why Choose STARC?
Traditional drywall barriers create excess dust, debris, and noise during installation and demolition. Plastic sheets are even less reliable, often failing to meet the stringent standards required for healthcare projects. Polycarbonate panels, though better, fall short in durability and sound attenuation.
Here’s why RealWall outperforms these options:
Key Benefits of STARC’s RealWall:
- Reusable Modular System: Unlike traditional methods, RealWall can be reused across multiple projects.
- Sound Attenuation: Reduces renovation noise by up to 50%, ensuring a quieter environment.
- Real Wall Appearance: The three-layer construction looks like a real wall, offering exceptional stability and durability.
- Fast Installation: Two workers can install 100 feet in about an hour.
- Airtight and Safe: Proper installation creates an airtight seal, meeting ICRA Class IV and ASTM E-84 requirements.
- Cost Savings: Long-term reuse offers significant financial advantages.
The Industry Leader in Dust Barriers
STARC consistently raises the bar for construction dust, debris, and noise containment. Our innovative temporary wall systems improve jobsite safety, project profitability, and sustainability.
Ready to ‘undisrupt’ your next renovation project? Schedule a time to speak with one of our experts today.