diff --git a/packages/core/src/lib/buildPatterns.js b/packages/core/src/lib/buildPatterns.js
index c550a6880..a1868d32f 100644
--- a/packages/core/src/lib/buildPatterns.js
+++ b/packages/core/src/lib/buildPatterns.js
@@ -55,7 +55,9 @@ module.exports = async (deletePatternDir, patternlab, additionalData) => {
 
   // Flags
   patternlab.incrementalBuildsEnabled = !(
-    patternlab.config.cleanPublic || graphNeedsUpgrade
+    patternlab.config.cleanPublic ||
+    graphNeedsUpgrade ||
+    deletePatternDir
   );
 
   //