Renovating your Calgary home can feel exciting, but older properties may contain hidden hazards. If your home was built before 1990, asbestos could be present in several building materials. Before starting any renovation, you should understand the risks and know how to handle them safely.
Builders once used asbestos widely because it resisted heat, added durability, and improved insulation. Today, experts recognize the serious health risks linked to asbestos exposure. At Wise Abatement, we focus on protecting your family, your health, and your home throughout the renovation process.
Understanding the Health Risks of Asbestos
Asbestos becomes dangerous when materials containing it are disturbed. Cutting, sanding, drilling, or breaking these materials can release microscopic asbestos fibers into the air. Once inhaled, these fibers can cause severe and potentially fatal diseases, including:
- Asbestosis
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Intact asbestos materials may not pose an immediate risk. However, renovation or demolition work can easily disturb them and release fibers into your home.
For that reason, homeowners planning renovations in older Calgary homes should arrange professional asbestos testing before beginning any work.
Common Places Asbestos May Be Found
Homes built in Calgary and throughout Alberta before the 1990s often contain asbestos in various materials, including:
- Vermiculite insulation and pipe wrap
- Drywall, joint compound, and drywall tape
- Floor tiles and flooring adhesive (mastic)
- Roofing materials and shingles
- Furnace and heating duct insulation
- Stucco and exterior finishes
You cannot identify asbestos by sight alone. Professional testing remains the only reliable way to confirm whether a material contains asbestos.
Wise Abatement Tip: We strongly discourage homeowners from removing asbestos themselves. DIY removal can release harmful fibers into the air and expose your family to serious health risks.
Wise Abatement: Calgary’s Trusted Asbestos Removal Experts
Wise Abatement has provided hazardous material removal services in Calgary for more than 13 years. Over that time, we have earned the trust of homeowners by delivering safe, reliable, and professional asbestos abatement services.
We understand the concerns homeowners face during renovations, and our trained specialists guide clients through every stage of the process. Our company is:
- COR Certified
- Licensed with the City of Calgary
- Fully insured ($5M liability and $2M pollution coverage)
- Professionally trained in asbestos abatement procedures
We also prioritize clear communication. Our team keeps you informed throughout the project and follows all Alberta regulations and safety standards to protect your property and your family.
Our Safe and Efficient Asbestos Removal Process
As a professional Calgary asbestos removal company, we follow a proven process to ensure safe and effective abatement.
Initial Assessment and Testing
Our team begins with a full inspection and material testing process. We collect samples and send them to an accredited laboratory for fast and accurate results. Testing confirms both the presence and type of asbestos in your home.
Detailed Scope of Work and Estimate
After testing, we provide a transparent scope of work with a detailed estimate. You receive clear pricing, timelines, and project details with no hidden fees.
Containment and Air Filtration
Our technicians install specialized containment systems and negative air pressure equipment to prevent asbestos fibers from spreading into unaffected areas of your home.
Safe Removal and Abatement
Licensed asbestos professionals carefully remove asbestos-containing materials while following all provincial safety regulations and industry best practices.
Decontamination and Cleanup
After removal, we HEPA vacuum and wet-wipe all affected surfaces to eliminate remaining particles. Independent third-party hygienists then complete post-abatement air clearance testing to verify that the area is safe for re-occupancy.
You will receive a complete air clearance report confirming the successful cleanup. Our team also transports and disposes of hazardous materials at approved waste facilities.
Wise Abatement Tip: If you plan to buy or renovate an older home, schedule hazardous material testing before starting any work. Early testing can save significant time, money, and stress later in the project.
Our Safe Removal Guarantee
At Wise Abatement, we believe every homeowner deserves peace of mind. Our Safe Removal Guarantee ensures your property meets clearance standards after abatement work is complete.
Once the project finishes, you receive official air clearance documentation confirming that your home is safe for re-occupancy. We take pride in delivering attentive service, fast turnaround times, and dependable results.
“Here to Protect What Matters Most” is more than our motto. It reflects our commitment to homeowners, contractors, and businesses across Calgary and Southern Alberta.
If you suspect asbestos in your home or office, contact Wise Abatement today. We provide asbestos testing, asbestos removal, and hazardous material remediation throughout Calgary, Okotoks, Diamond Valley, High River, Nanton, Claresholm, Airdrie, Cochrane, Banff, Red Deer, and surrounding communities.
Call Wise Abatement at (587) 997-6500 or request a free quote through our website today.
Asbestos Removal Questions
How Do I Know if My Home Contains Asbestos?
Only a certified asbestos inspector or qualified technician can confirm asbestos through testing. Because builders commonly used asbestos in homes built before 1990, older homes should always be tested before renovations begin.
Is Asbestos Always Harmful?
Asbestos only becomes hazardous when disturbed. Materials in good condition may not release fibers into the air. However, damaged, cut, sanded, or broken asbestos-containing materials can expose occupants to dangerous airborne fibers.
Can I Remove Asbestos Myself?
Homeowners should never attempt DIY asbestos removal. Improper handling can contaminate the home and expose occupants to serious health risks. In many areas, unlicensed asbestos removal may also violate regulations. Hiring a licensed asbestos abatement company remains the safest option.
What Is an Air Clearance Report?
An independent third-party hygienist provides an air clearance report after asbestos removal. The report confirms that airborne asbestos fiber levels meet safety standards and that the property is safe for occupancy.
How Long Does Asbestos Removal Take?
Project timelines depend on the size of the affected area and the type of asbestos-containing materials involved. Smaller projects may take a single day, while larger abatement projects can require several weeks. Wise Abatement provides a detailed timeline during the assessment phase.
