Asbestos was once considered a miracle material. It resisted fire, added strength, and insulated homes during harsh winters. Many Calgary buildings constructed before 1990 still contain it today. Understanding why it became so widespread helps us make sense of the risks and safety concerns we face now. At YYC Asbestos Removal and Renovation, we often see how these older materials still affect property owners and renovation projects across the city.
The Rise of Asbestos in Calgary’s Building Boom
During the postwar building surge, Calgary’s population grew fast. Builders needed affordable and durable materials to meet housing and infrastructure demands. Asbestos fit perfectly into that plan. It was inexpensive, easy to mix into products, and could handle both heat and cold. Builders used it in everything from ceiling tiles to furnace ducts.
The oil industry’s growth during the 1960s and 1970s also fueled construction. Contractors saw asbestos as a dependable solution to keep costs down while improving fire resistance in commercial and industrial spaces. This trust in the material continued well into the late 1980s. By then, nearly every type of building material—from drywall joint compound to insulation—could contain asbestos fibers.
How Asbestos Became a “Go-To” Material
At the time, asbestos was seen as cutting-edge. It blended strength and flexibility, which made it ideal for cement sheets, floor tiles, and roofing materials. Builders liked how it reinforced structures while preventing heat loss. For homeowners, it meant lower heating bills and fewer fire risks. Few people knew the potential dangers hiding in those fibers.
The versatility of asbestos also contributed to its popularity. It could be added to paints, plasters, and textured ceilings without changing their look or function. In Calgary, where winter temperatures regularly dropped below freezing, insulation made with asbestos kept homes warmer and pipes from freezing. Builders thought they were providing safer, longer-lasting homes.
You can still find these materials in many older properties today. That is why homeowners planning renovations often start with an inspection or professional asbestos removal Calgary service. Detecting asbestos before work begins helps prevent exposure during demolition or sanding.
Common Places Asbestos Was Used Before 1990
Calgary homes and buildings built before 1990 can hide asbestos in dozens of unexpected areas. It is not always visible and can stay trapped behind walls or floors for decades. Common materials include:
- Drywall mud and taping compound
- Textured or “popcorn” ceilings
- Vinyl or linoleum floor tiles
- Attic and wall insulation
- Roof shingles and siding
- Furnace ducts and pipe wrap
- Ceiling tiles and adhesives
Builders used asbestos wherever they needed durability or fire protection. In older office buildings, it was sprayed onto steel beams for insulation. In basements, it lined pipes and boilers to control heat loss. Even some adhesives under old floor coverings may contain it.
If you suspect it might be present, avoid disturbing the area. Scraping, drilling, or sanding can release fibers into the air, which makes cleanup much harder.
What Changed After the 1980s
By the late 1970s, researchers had proven that asbestos exposure could lead to serious illnesses such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Governments around the world began phasing it out, but Canada took gradual steps. The full ban came decades later. Before that, many builders still had stockpiles of asbestos materials and continued using them through the 1980s.
In Calgary, this meant even buildings finished around 1989 could still contain asbestos-based products. Although construction codes improved, inspections and awareness took time to catch up. Some homeowners only discover asbestos when they start major renovations or demolitions today.
This long transition period explains why professional testing remains so important. Materials that look harmless—like plaster or vinyl—can still release fibers if handled carelessly. The safest choice is always to have samples tested by certified inspectors before any removal or repair work begins.
Why Asbestos Stayed in Use for So Long
Builders trusted asbestos because it solved many problems at once. It resisted moisture, lasted for decades, and didn’t corrode. At the time, no better material offered the same benefits at a low cost. Even when early warnings appeared, many thought proper handling made it safe. Unfortunately, the health effects only appeared years after exposure, making the connection easy to overlook.
Manufacturers also marketed it heavily as a modern solution for insulation and safety. The material’s long lifespan became both its strength and its downfall. Even now, some older products still perform their original function without showing damage. Yet as they age and crumble, fibers can escape into the air. This risk grows when buildings are renovated or repaired.
That is why professional removal, rather than DIY work, is essential. It prevents contamination and ensures all waste is sealed and disposed of safely under Alberta regulations.
Understanding the Health Risks
Asbestos fibers are microscopic. Once inhaled, they can stay in the lungs for decades. Over time, they cause scarring and inflammation that may lead to severe diseases. The danger comes from disturbing materials during renovations or demolitions. Simply living in a home that contains asbestos is not automatically risky unless those materials are damaged or exposed.
However, once dust is airborne, cleaning it with standard methods only spreads it further. Regular vacuum filters cannot trap asbestos fibers. That is why professional containment, air testing, and cleanup are vital steps during removal.
Our team at YYC Asbestos Removal and Renovation has seen how small renovations can quickly turn into safety hazards when old materials are disturbed without precautions. Knowing where asbestos hides is the first step toward keeping your home and family safe.
The Importance of Professional Assessment
Before any renovation, it helps to know exactly what materials are present. A certified asbestos inspection involves sampling and laboratory testing. This identifies where the fibers exist and how widespread they are. If asbestos is confirmed, a professional plan outlines how to remove it safely under provincial guidelines.
Trying to handle the material without training can create more contamination. Even protective masks or home vacuums cannot prevent exposure. Alberta’s safety laws require licensed professionals for large-scale abatement because the process involves sealing off areas, using negative air pressure systems, and disposing of waste in approved facilities.
When we perform an inspection, we document every finding clearly so property owners can make informed decisions. That prevents costly surprises later when walls, ceilings, or floors are opened.
What Calgary Homeowners Can Do Today
If you live in or manage a building constructed before 1990, it’s best to treat unknown materials with caution. Start by checking records or renovation permits. These might reveal whether asbestos testing was ever done. When in doubt, schedule a professional inspection before beginning any major work.
Even minor projects such as replacing flooring or removing old insulation can expose asbestos. Understanding where it might be and how to handle it properly helps protect your health and ensures compliance with safety laws.
For those planning large renovations, it’s smart to coordinate early with a local expert in asbestos removal Calgary. Doing so saves time and reduces the chance of unexpected delays or hazards during construction.
If you ever suspect asbestos damage after a storm, flood, or accidental breakage, do not attempt cleanup yourself. Close off the area and arrange for professional evaluation right away. Proper containment limits exposure and helps restore safe conditions quickly.
The Future of Safe Building in Calgary
Modern construction standards in Alberta no longer allow asbestos use, but its legacy still remains. Awareness, testing, and responsible renovation practices continue to make older homes safer. Our work often involves helping property owners understand these materials, not just removing them.
Education remains key. The more people know about asbestos history, the more they can plan safe, efficient upgrades to older properties. Whether it’s a small repair or full renovation, the goal is always the same—protecting people while preserving Calgary’s valuable housing stock.
If you are planning renovations in an older home or managing a building built before 1990, now is the time to ensure it’s safe. You can contact us to schedule an inspection or learn about proper removal procedures under Alberta standards. It is the simplest step toward peace of mind before any construction begins.
FAQs
1. How can I tell if my home contains asbestos?
You cannot identify asbestos just by looking at materials. The only reliable method is laboratory testing of samples collected by a certified professional.
2. Is asbestos dangerous if it is not disturbed?
Asbestos is generally safe when intact and undamaged. The danger begins when fibers are released into the air during renovations, drilling, or damage.
3. Can I remove asbestos myself?
DIY removal is not recommended and may violate local safety regulations. Professional removal ensures proper containment and disposal.
4. What happens during an asbestos inspection?
Inspectors take small material samples from suspected areas. These are tested in a lab to confirm the presence of asbestos. Results guide the next steps for removal or management.
5. How long does professional asbestos removal take?
The timeline depends on the size of the project. Most residential removals take between one and three days, including containment and cleanup.
