Older homes can hide serious hazards such as asbestos, mold, vermiculite insulation, and lead paint. These materials often remain undisturbed for years. However, renovation or remodeling projects can expose them and create health risks.
As Calgary natives and neighbours, we understand the importance of protecting your family, pets, and property. Before you begin any renovation project, it’s essential to understand the risks associated with hazardous materials and the safest way to remove them.
Common Hazardous Materials Found in Calgary Homes
Asbestos
Builders commonly used asbestos as a fire retardant and thermal insulator in older homes. You may find it in insulation, flooring, roofing materials, pipe wrap, drywall, and drywall compounds.
Because asbestos has no smell or taste, homeowners cannot identify it without professional testing. When disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and enter the lungs. As a result, exposure may lead to serious health conditions such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Mold
Unlike asbestos, mold is often visible and produces a musty odor. It typically grows in damp, humid, or poorly ventilated areas, including basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces.
Furthermore, mold can trigger allergies, asthma attacks, and other respiratory issues. If left untreated, it can spread quickly throughout a property.
Lead Paint and Vermiculite Insulation
Many older homes also contain lead paint and vermiculite insulation. Vermiculite sourced from Libby, Montana, may contain asbestos contamination. Therefore, certified professionals should always test these materials before any renovation or demolition work begins.
Wise Abatement Tip: If your home was built before 1990, schedule professional hazardous material testing before starting any remodeling project.
Why Calgary Homeowners Trust Wise Abatement
For more than 13 years, Wise Abatement has helped protect Calgary families and businesses from hazardous materials. Our certified remediation specialists safely remove asbestos, mold, vermiculite, and lead paint while following all industry regulations.
Additionally, we are a COR-certified company, licensed by the City of Calgary, and fully insured with $7 million in coverage, including $5 million in liability insurance and $2 million in pollution insurance.
What Sets Us Apart?
We’re COR Certified
The Certificate of Recognition (COR) program recognizes companies that maintain high standards for workplace health and safety. Our certification demonstrates our commitment to safe work practices on every project.
City of Calgary Licensed
We hold a City of Calgary license to perform hazardous materials remediation. Consequently, homeowners can trust that we meet all municipal requirements.
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
We carry $5 million in liability insurance and $2 million in pollution insurance. This coverage protects both our team and our clients throughout the remediation process.
Certified Remediation Specialists
Our experienced specialists use proven techniques and industry-leading equipment to complete every project safely and efficiently.
Our Remediation Process
We believe in transparency and clear communication from start to finish. Therefore, we provide accurate timelines, detailed estimates, and regular updates throughout your project.
1. Initial Assessment and Quote
First, we inspect the affected area and provide a free, honest, and detailed quote.
2. Containment
Next, our crew installs secure containment barriers. These barriers prevent hazardous materials from spreading to other parts of your home during removal.
3. Safe Removal
After containment is in place, our specialists carefully remove hazardous materials using advanced tools and industry-approved procedures.
4. Air Quality Testing and Clearance
Once remediation is complete, an independent third party conducts air quality testing. This testing confirms that all hazardous materials have been successfully removed.
You will also receive a clearance report that verifies your property is safe for re-occupancy.
5. Site Restoration
Finally, we leave the work area clean and organized so you can move forward with repairs or renovations.
Wise Abatement Pro Tip: Hazardous material removal requires specialized training and equipment. Attempting to remove asbestos, mold, or lead-containing materials yourself can release harmful fibers and spores into the air. In many cases, DIY removal increases health risks and results in higher cleanup costs later. Instead, trust experienced professionals to handle the job safely.
Wise Abatement Provides Peace of Mind
At Wise Abatement, we don’t consider a project complete until an independent expert verifies that the site is safe.
Moreover, we provide detailed documentation that includes the project scope, safety procedures, and final air clearance reports. This documentation gives you confidence in the quality of the work performed.
Our team treats every property with care and respect. We also maintain open communication throughout the process. As a result, you’ll always know the status of your project and have answers to your questions.
Ready to Safeguard Your Home?
Don’t let hazardous materials threaten the health and safety of your family, employees, or tenants.
Choose Wise Abatement for professional, dependable, and guaranteed remediation services. Contact our office today at (587) 997-6500 for a free estimate and consultation. You can also visit our website to learn more about our services.
Let us help protect your home and your peace of mind.
Common Questions and Answers
I suspect I have asbestos in my building. How do I test for it?
Thousands of products manufactured before 1990 contained asbestos. Professional testing performed by a qualified agency remains the only reliable way to identify asbestos-containing materials. Our team can guide you through the testing process.
How do you identify mold?
Mold often produces a musty odor and appears as stains or fuzzy growth on walls, ceilings, floors, and other surfaces. Additionally, occupants may experience respiratory symptoms or other health concerns. Mold commonly develops in humid areas or locations affected by water damage.
I have a suspected mold problem. Will I need to move out temporarily?
In most cases, you and your pets should leave the home during mold remediation. This precaution helps protect your health while our crew completes the removal process. We will explain the specific requirements for your project before work begins.
How long does remediation take?
Project timelines vary depending on the type of material, the level of contamination, and the size of the affected area. For example, a small mold remediation project may take only one or two days. Larger asbestos removal projects can take several days or even longer. We include estimated timelines in every project quote.
Why do I need third-party air quality testing?
Third-party air testing provides independent verification that hazardous fibers or spores are no longer present. Furthermore, the resulting air clearance report serves as official documentation that your building is safe and clean.
