Considering a remodel in your Calgary home built before 1990? Renovating is exciting, but you should never skip asbestos testing. Many older homes contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). These materials usually remain safe if left undisturbed. However, cutting, sanding, or removing them during renovations can release dangerous asbestos fibers into the air. Those fibers can threaten your family’s health.
Wise Abatement has helped Calgary homeowners safely identify and remove asbestos for more than 13 years. Our team helps protect your home so you can renovate with confidence.
Why Older Calgary Homes May Contain Asbestos
Builders widely used asbestos in residential construction until Canada banned it because of serious health risks. Manufacturers valued asbestos for its strength, heat resistance, and insulating properties. As a result, they included it in many common building materials.
If your home was built or extensively renovated between the 1950s and the late 1980s, it may contain asbestos in:
- Insulation
- Floor tiles and adhesives
- Ceiling tiles
- Roofing materials
- Drywall joint compound
- Stucco
- Pipe insulation
- Vermiculite attic insulation
Because asbestos is impossible to identify by sight alone, professional testing remains the safest option before starting any renovation.
The Dangers of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos becomes dangerous when someone disturbs the material. Cutting, drilling, sanding, or demolition releases microscopic fibers into the air. You can inhale these fibers without realizing it.
Once inside the lungs, asbestos fibers may remain there for decades. Over time, they can cause serious illnesses, including:
- Asbestosis
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
Symptoms often do not appear for many years after exposure. That is why preventing exposure is so important.
Wise Abatement Tip: Always assume a pre-1990 home contains asbestos unless a qualified professional has tested the materials. If you discover suspicious materials, leave them alone and contact an asbestos professional immediately. This simple step can protect your family and prevent expensive contamination.
Wise Abatement: Calgary’s Trusted Asbestos Removal Experts
For more than 13 years, Wise Abatement has provided professional hazardous material removal throughout Calgary and Southern Alberta. We understand local construction methods, Alberta regulations, and the unique challenges older Calgary homes present.
Homeowners trust us because we are:
- COR Certified
- Licensed by the City of Calgary
- Fully insured, including $5 million Pollution Liability coverage
- Experienced in residential asbestos abatement
- Committed to honest estimates and transparent communication
When your family’s health is at stake, experience matters.
Our Safe Asbestos Abatement Process
We follow a proven process that protects your home while meeting all Alberta regulations.
1. Professional Asbestos Testing and Inspection
We begin with a certified inspection before any demolition starts. Our technicians collect material samples and send them to an accredited laboratory for analysis. Accurate testing allows us to develop the safest removal strategy.
2. Customized Abatement Plan
After receiving the test results, we create a site-specific removal plan. Every project follows Alberta regulations and recognized industry best practices.
3. Safe Containment and Removal
Our trained technicians establish secure containment areas before removing asbestos. We use negative air pressure systems, critical barriers, HEPA filtration, and specialized protective equipment to prevent fibers from spreading throughout your home.
4. Thorough Cleaning and Air Clearance
After removing the asbestos, our team carefully cleans and decontaminates the work area. An independent industrial hygienist then performs air quality testing. Once the area passes inspection, you receive a third-party air clearance report confirming it is safe to re-enter.
5. Proper Disposal
We package, transport, and dispose of asbestos-containing materials according to all environmental regulations. Our Safe Removal Guarantee, third-party air clearance reports, and full insurance coverage provide peace of mind throughout the entire project.
Buying or Selling an Older Calgary Home?
Planning to buy or sell a home built before 1990? Ask whether the property has an asbestos clearance report. If no documentation exists, consider scheduling a professional asbestos inspection before closing.
Early testing helps prevent unexpected renovation costs, construction delays, and difficult negotiations later.
Protect Your Family Before You Remodel
If you are planning renovations anywhere in Calgary, Okotoks, Airdrie, or Southern Alberta, Wise Abatement is ready to help. We offer free, no-pressure consultations, answer your questions, and provide honest quotes for asbestos testing and removal.
Call (587) 997-6500 today to schedule your consultation. We treat every home as if it were our own and work hard to keep your family safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas of a Calgary home commonly contain asbestos?
Older homes often contain asbestos in basement insulation, furnace ducts, pipe insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, drywall compound, attic insulation, roofing materials, exterior stucco, and siding. Homes built before 1990 have the highest likelihood of containing asbestos.
Do I need asbestos testing if I am not renovating?
If asbestos-containing materials remain undisturbed and in good condition, they generally pose little risk. However, you should know whether asbestos exists in your home. If the material becomes damaged or you plan future renovations, professional testing is strongly recommended.
How long does asbestos removal take?
Project timelines depend on the amount of asbestos, the type of materials involved, the size of the affected area, and the required containment measures. Some projects take one or two days, while larger removals may require a week or more. We provide a project timeline with every estimate.
Does homeowners insurance cover asbestos removal?
Most Alberta homeowners insurance policies do not cover asbestos abatement. Some policies may cover damage caused by a covered event, such as flooding or a burst pipe, but they typically exclude asbestos removal itself. Contact your insurance provider to review your specific policy.
What qualifications should I look for in an asbestos removal company?
Choose a company with extensive experience, COR Certification, City of Calgary licensing, comprehensive liability and pollution insurance, independent third-party air clearance testing, and strong local references. Wise Abatement meets all of these qualifications and has safely served Calgary homeowners for more than 13 years.
