When many Calgary homeowners decide to renovate an older house, they often worry about one issue: asbestos. If your home was built in 1990 or earlier, it may contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Understanding this risk is essential for a successful renovation and for protecting your family’s health.
Understanding Asbestos and Its Hidden Dangers
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that builders once used extensively because of its strength, heat resistance, and insulating properties. It was commonly added to roofing materials, insulation, stucco, drywall joint compound, flooring, and many other building products.
However, disturbing asbestos releases microscopic fibres into the air. When inhaled, these fibres can cause serious illnesses, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. In many cases, these diseases take decades to develop.
Asbestos does not usually pose a risk when it remains intact and undisturbed. The danger begins when renovations, demolition, or everyday wear damage asbestos-containing materials and release harmful fibres. That is why proper identification and professional removal are so important.
How to Tell if Your Home Contains Asbestos
You cannot identify asbestos by sight alone. Many asbestos-containing materials look identical to modern, non-hazardous products. Professional testing remains the only reliable way to confirm whether asbestos is present.
Before starting any renovation in an older Calgary home, schedule a professional asbestos inspection. Testing before demolition or remodeling helps protect your family, contractors, and everyone working on the property.
Wise Abatement Tip: If your home was built before 1990, assume asbestos may be present before starting renovations or demolition. Professional testing confirms whether asbestos exists and helps you avoid unnecessary exposure.
Calgary Asbestos Abatement You Can Trust
Wise Abatement understands the stress that comes with discovering hazardous materials in your home. For more than 13 years, we have helped protect Calgary homeowners and businesses with safe, compliant asbestos testing and removal services.
We carry $5 million in liability insurance, $2 million in pollution coverage, maintain City of Calgary licensing, and hold COR Safety certification. Every project follows strict safety standards and Alberta regulations.
Our mission is simple: provide Safe Removal Assurance while protecting your family’s health and your property’s future. We remain committed to protecting what matters most.
Our Complete Asbestos Abatement Process
Our process focuses on safety, transparency, and peace of mind from start to finish.
Comprehensive Inspection: We carefully inspect your property to identify areas that may contain asbestos-containing materials.
Professional Sampling & Laboratory Testing: Our certified technicians collect samples and submit them to accredited third-party laboratories to determine the presence and type of asbestos.
Customized Abatement Plan: After reviewing the laboratory results, we develop a remediation plan that meets Alberta regulations while addressing your property’s specific needs.
Safe and Controlled Removal: Our certified technicians use advanced containment systems, negative air machines, and specialized equipment to remove asbestos safely while preventing fibre release.
Independent Air Clearance Testing: After completing the removal, an independent third-party conducts air quality testing to confirm the area is free of airborne asbestos fibres and safe to reoccupy.
Complete Documentation: We provide detailed records, including laboratory reports, disposal documentation, and project completion paperwork for your records.
Wise Abatement Tip: Never remove suspected asbestos materials yourself. DIY removal can release dangerous fibres into the air and put your family’s health at risk. Always hire licensed asbestos professionals.
Enjoy Complete Peace of Mind
Our Safe Removal Guarantee and independent air clearance testing provide confidence that we completed your project safely and thoroughly. Combined with our extensive insurance coverage and deep knowledge of Alberta regulations, you can trust us to protect both your property and your family.
We proudly serve Calgary, Okotoks, Diamond Valley, High River, Nanton, Claresholm, Airdrie, Cochrane, Banff, Red Deer, and communities throughout Southern Alberta.
Renovate with Confidence
Don’t let hidden asbestos delay your renovation or put your family’s health at risk. Let Calgary’s asbestos professionals handle hazardous materials safely and professionally.
Contact Wise Abatement today for expert asbestos testing and abatement services.
Call (587) 997-6500 today for a free quote and let us help keep your home and family safe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Asbestos Abatement
How much does asbestos testing cost in Calgary?
The cost depends on the number of samples required and the size of the inspection area. We can provide a competitive quote after reviewing your project.
Do I need asbestos testing if my home was built before 1990?
Yes. Alberta regulations require an asbestos inspection before renovation or demolition begins on buildings constructed before 1990. Testing helps prevent hazardous exposure and ensures your project complies with provincial requirements.
How long does asbestos removal take?
The timeline depends on the size and complexity of the project. Smaller jobs may take two to three days, while larger abatement projects require more time. We will provide a detailed schedule before work begins.
What should I do if I discover asbestos during a renovation?
Stop work immediately and avoid disturbing the material further. Contact a licensed asbestos abatement company like Wise Abatement to inspect, contain, and safely remove the asbestos before continuing your renovation.
Is it safe to stay in my home during asbestos removal?
We isolate the work area with specialized containment systems, but we typically recommend temporarily leaving the home while removal is underway. Once the project is complete, an independent air clearance test confirms the area is safe before you return.
