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If you are planning a renovation, teardown, or interior demolition, one of the most common questions people ask is what happens first, demolition or asbestos removal.
Why asbestos before demolition matters
Asbestos was widely used in construction materials for decades because it was fire resistant, durable, and inexpensive. Many homes and buildings still contain asbestos today, particularly those built before the early 1990s.
The danger is not asbestos sitting undisturbed in place. The risk begins when materials are cut, broken, or removed. Demolition work creates exactly the conditions that can release asbestos fibres into the air. Once airborne, those fibres can spread quickly and pose long-term health risks.
This is why asbestos before demolition is not just a recommendation. In many situations, it is required.
What can contain asbestos in a demolition project?
Asbestos is often associated with insulation, but it can be found in many other materials commonly affected during demolition. These include drywall joint compound, vinyl floor tile and adhesives, ceiling texture, pipe insulation, vermiculite attic insulation, cement board, exterior siding, fireproofing materials, and certain roofing products.
Many of these materials appear completely normal and harmless until they are tested. Age alone is enough to justify caution.
Alberta regulations and demolition order
In Alberta, occupational health and safety rules require asbestos to be identified and properly managed before work that could disturb it begins. This includes demolition, renovation, and any activity that may damage asbestos-containing materials.
That means suspected asbestos materials must be assessed, testing must be completed where required, and asbestos must be removed or controlled before demolition proceeds. Skipping this step can result in work stoppages, fines, liability issues, and unnecessary exposure risks.
Even when demolition is taking place in a private residence, asbestos before demolition remains the responsible and expected approach.
What happens if demolition starts first?
Starting demolition without addressing asbestos can create problems very quickly. Airborne fibres are invisible and easily inhaled. Demolition can contaminate areas that were previously unaffected, turning a limited issue into a much larger cleanup.
If asbestos is discovered partway through demolition, work often has to stop immediately, causing delays and added costs. Improper handling can also expose property owners and contractors to legal and financial risk.
Are there any exceptions?
There are limited situations where demolition may proceed without asbestos removal, but these are specific and carefully controlled. This may include buildings that have been assessed and confirmed to contain no asbestos, or materials that have been tested and classified as non-asbestos containing.
Even in these cases, documentation and proper assessment are essential. Assumptions are not enough. When there is uncertainty, asbestos before demolition remains the safest and most defensible choice.
How asbestos and demolition should work together
Well-planned projects follow a clear sequence. Materials are assessed and tested first. Asbestos-containing materials are removed or properly controlled. Clearance and preparation confirm the area is safe. Only then does demolition begin.
This order protects workers, occupants, and the integrity of the project itself.
Planning demolition in Calgary and Southern Alberta
In Calgary and Southern Alberta, this sequence is especially important due to the age of many residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. Even partial renovations or interior demolition can disturb hidden asbestos if the risk is not identified early.
Final thoughts
When it comes to demolition and asbestos, the order matters. Handling asbestos before demolition protects health, keeps projects compliant, and prevents unnecessary complications. It is not about slowing a project down. It is about doing it correctly from the start.
If asbestos may be present in a building, getting clear answers early can save time, money, and stress later.
