Top 5 Cleanroom Construction Best Practices

Cleanrooms are where the most sensitive work happens, whether it’s pharmaceutical production, medical device manufacturing, or semiconductor assembly. A misstep in construction or coordination can lead to costly contamination, failed audits, or production downtime. 

At ACME Constructors, we’ve built cleanrooms for some of the most exacting industries. We bring construction expertise, coordination with design partners, and skilled field execution, whether hired directly by the client or as part of a project team alongside other contractors. In this article, we’ll cover five best practices to help you make your next cleanroom construction project a success.

1. Collaborate Closely with Design Partners and Clients

While ACME does not design or take part in specifying cleanrooms, we work closely with the firms that do. Our role is to interpret construction documents, align the build to the project’s intent, and ensure it meets all applicable codes. We focus on constructability, safety, sequencing, and executing the design in the field. 

Bringing in a cleanroom design specialist early on in the process will help you ensure that your plans are drawn up properly, so the finished cleanroom performs according to your specifications.

2. Choose the Right Materials for Surfaces and Systems

Cleanroom finishes must be durable, non-shedding, and compatible with aggressive cleaning procedures. Our role as the builder is to ensure that every surface and system installed in the field matches the design intent and functions as required.

We often work with:

• Stainless steel surfaces in wash-down areas for pharma manufacturing

• Epoxy-coated flooring that resists cracking and is easy to sanitize

• Modular wall panels, like those from PortaFab, which offer flexibility for future changes

  
  

Seamless vs. Structural Modular Systems:

One big decision is whether to go with a seamless system or a structural modular setup. Seamless systems offer top-tier cleanliness, but they can be harder to modify. Structural modular systems provide flexibility for future changes and are faster to install. We're experienced in installing both.

3. Manage Airflow and Containment with Precision

Cleanrooms rely on controlled airflow to remove particulates and prevent cross-contamination. That means pressure differentials, HEPA filtration, and air changes per hour (ACH) need to be dialed in perfectly.

We don’t create the mechanical design, but we work hand-in-hand with MEP teams to make sure what is designed fits and functions in the real world. Our job is to make sure ductwork can be accessed, units can be supported structurally, and transitions between rooms support the required airflow zones—positive to negative, clean to contaminated.

During a cleanroom addition for a specialty food client, our team coordinated night shifts to avoid interrupting operations. We installed overhead duct supports, sealed transitions, and used temporary air curtains to maintain classification levels during construction. Our field crews understand what cleanroom performance requires and know how to build in support of those goals.

4. Construction Sequencing Is Everything

Every step needs to be planned in advance in cleanroom construction. Work flows from the cleanest areas outward, and always from top down. That means ceiling grids and HVAC drops go in before flooring. Penetrations must be sealed meticulously; every screw, gasket, and transition matters.

We bring in our own skilled union trades, so we’re able to maintain tight quality control through every phase. We also use daily QC checklists on site and photograph everything for traceability.

This kind of sequencing is why we’re often brought in as the contractor of record on cleanroom projects. We understand the risk of contamination and know how to build it right the first time.

5. Plan for Maintenance and Upgrades from the Start

While we don’t drive the design, we construct in a way that supports future service, inspections, and upgrades. That might mean coordinating with design teams to add removable panels or ensuring overhead systems have clear access points.

We’ve installed modular systems with removable wall panels, bolted-on overhead platforms for HVAC access, and coordinated routing of electrical systems to simplify upgrades later. Whether we’re working directly with the owner or supporting a design partner, our goal is always to build with long-term operations in mind.

Let's Build a Better Cleanroom Together

Cleanroom construction takes a high level of discipline and coordination, and that’s exactly what our team brings to the table. We work either directly for clients or in collaboration with their cleanroom design partners, always focused on executing with skill, precision, and respect for the critical environments we’re building.

If you’re planning a cleanroom build or upgrade, let’s talk about how we can help. We’ll bring our field-proven methods, seasoned crews, and a whole lot of problem-solving to your project. Contact our team to get started.