Asbestos may be hidden, but its risks are not. If you’re living in or renovating an older home, a certified asbestos abatement service is not just a precaution—it’s a necessary step to protect everyone in the space. Whether you’ve found asbestos during a renovation or through a routine inspection, understanding what happens during a professional abatement process helps reduce anxiety and ensures you’re making informed decisions.
The First Step: Inspection and Risk Assessment
Every proper asbestos abatement job begins with a detailed inspection. This involves certified professionals identifying suspected asbestos-containing materials and evaluating the level of risk they present. Older buildings, particularly those built before the 1990s, often have asbestos in flooring, insulation, ceiling tiles, and pipe wraps.
Once materials are located, samples are taken to a certified lab. To clarify, professionals do not rely on visual assessment alone. They need microscopic confirmation before taking any further action. As a result, this step provides a clear baseline for the entire process.
After testing, you’ll receive a report that outlines where asbestos was found and what condition it’s in. Materials that are intact and undisturbed may not pose an immediate risk, while crumbling or friable materials require urgent removal.
Developing the Abatement Plan
Next, a project-specific abatement plan is created. This outlines how the asbestos will be removed, what safety measures will be put in place, and how long the work will take. In other words, the plan serves as the blueprint for the entire operation.
This plan considers factors like the building’s layout, the type of asbestos-containing materials, and whether the space is occupied. If you’re staying in the building during abatement, extra care is taken to isolate the affected area. On the other hand, if the building will be vacant, crews may complete the job more quickly.
Most importantly, the abatement team ensures their methods meet provincial and federal regulations. That includes proper disposal procedures and air quality control, so you’re not left with lingering contamination after the job is done.
Preparing the Space for Safe Removal
Before removal starts, the team seals off the work area using heavy plastic sheeting and sets up negative air pressure machines. These machines draw air in but don’t let contaminated air escape. Therefore, this prevents asbestos fibers from spreading to other parts of the home or building.
Airlocks and decontamination chambers are also set up for workers. In addition, all HVAC systems near the work area are shut off to avoid circulating particles. This level of preparation may seem excessive, but it’s absolutely necessary. It ensures both workers and residents remain protected throughout the process.
Meanwhile, furniture, flooring, and other non-impacted surfaces are covered or removed to minimize cleanup and reduce risk of contamination.
Safe Removal of Asbestos Materials
The actual removal phase is the most sensitive part of the job. Professionals wear full protective suits and respirators as they carefully remove the materials. Rather than tearing things out quickly, they work slowly to minimize dust and disturbance.
Wet removal methods are often used to keep fibers from becoming airborne. That is to say, materials are sprayed with a water-based solution before handling. Similarly, specialized hand tools are used instead of power tools that could create airborne particles.
As materials are removed, they’re double-bagged in clearly labeled containers and sealed before being carried out through a dedicated exit. No contaminated materials leave the area without being fully secured. This attention to containment is why hiring a certified abatement & remediation company in Calgary is critical, especially if your property has high-risk materials.
Post-Removal Cleanup and Air Monitoring
Once the asbestos is removed, the cleanup process begins. This step involves HEPA vacuuming all surfaces in the containment area. HEPA filters are specifically designed to capture microscopic asbestos fibers, unlike ordinary vacuums which can actually make things worse.
Wipe-downs follow the vacuuming process, using disposable cloths and cleaning solutions designed for hazardous materials. All disposable gear, including suits and tools, is sealed and taken to an approved disposal site. Consequently, there’s no risk of anything being reused or carried to another location.
After cleanup, air monitoring is conducted to confirm that asbestos fiber levels are within safe limits. Independent inspectors often handle this to ensure results are unbiased. If the area passes inspection, containment barriers are removed and the space is safe to occupy again.
Documentation and Compliance Records
A certified company will provide you with full documentation once the job is complete. This includes lab results, air clearance reports, a summary of the procedures used, and disposal records.
In many cases, this paperwork is not only for your peace of mind. It may also be required by local building authorities or future buyers if you’re selling the property. Therefore, keeping these documents on file is strongly recommended.
If you’re working with an experienced abatement & remediation company in Calgary, they’ll ensure all legal and safety requirements are properly addressed. These records also prove that your property no longer poses an asbestos risk.
Tips for Homeowners to Stay Informed
It’s helpful to know that you don’t need to leave the process entirely in the hands of others. You can stay informed and involved throughout the project by asking the right questions:
Firstly, ask about the type of asbestos found and whether it was friable or non-friable. Friable materials are more dangerous because they crumble easily. Secondly, understand the exact areas being sealed off and whether HVAC systems are affected.
During the work, request regular updates so you know what stage the team is in. Likewise, ask to review air clearance results once the job is done. You’re well within your rights to request that a third party verify air quality if you want extra peace of mind.
Lastly, consider keeping a copy of the abatement plan in case you need repairs in the same area later. For instance, if you renovate the space again in the future, you’ll know exactly what materials were removed and what was left untouched.
How to Plan Around the Abatement Timeline
Planning your schedule around asbestos removal can be tricky, but understanding the timeline helps. A small single-room job may only take one or two days. However, larger projects that involve multiple areas or complex containment setups may stretch across a week or more.
To avoid delays, it’s best to remove pets, arrange temporary living space if necessary, and coordinate with other contractors if you’re doing broader renovations. As a result, everyone stays on track and you avoid costly project overlaps.
If you’re unsure how long a job will take, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a certified team that can assess the site and provide realistic timeframes. A quick conversation can help you align expectations and prevent surprises.
A Common Misconception: Not All Asbestos Must Be Removed
Many people assume that any asbestos found must be removed immediately. However, that’s not always the case. If asbestos is in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, encapsulation may be a safer and more cost-effective option.
Encapsulation involves sealing the material so fibers cannot escape. For example, a concrete floor that contains asbestos may be treated and then covered rather than removed. This reduces the risk while avoiding the cost and disruption of a full removal.
The right choice depends on the location, condition, and use of the area. That is why relying on an abatement & remediation company in Calgary ensures you’re guided toward the safest option for your specific situation.
FAQ
What areas in a house most commonly contain asbestos?
Asbestos is often found in older insulation, ceiling tiles, vinyl flooring, pipe wrap, and textured paints. Homes built before 1990 are especially likely to contain it.
Is asbestos dangerous if it’s not disturbed?
Asbestos is only dangerous when fibers become airborne. If left sealed and intact, it may not pose an immediate risk. Even so, it should be professionally assessed to be sure.
Can I stay in my house during the removal?
Depending on the scope and location, you may be able to stay in a different part of the home. However, for safety and convenience, temporary relocation is sometimes recommended.
How long does a typical abatement project take?
A basic job may be done in one to two days, while larger or multi-room projects may take up to a week or more. A proper assessment is needed to give a firm estimate.
What happens if asbestos is found after renovations have started?
Work is usually paused until proper testing and abatement can occur. Continuing without addressing it risks contaminating the space and violating safety regulations.
