You are excited about your home renovation, new floors, fresh walls, and maybe even an open-concept kitchen. Before you start tearing things down, though, there is one hidden danger you might not have considered: asbestos.
Common in homes built before the 1990s, asbestos was once praised for its durability and fire resistance. Today, however, we know it can be deadly when disturbed, releasing microscopic elements that cause severe lung diseases.
So, before you grab a sledgehammer or do-it-yourself residential demolition tools, it is crucial to understand where asbestos hides.
In this blog, we will discuss the concept of asbestos, the danger it presents, and why professional asbestos removal can save you from costly mistakes and serious health issues.
What is asbestos, and why was it used?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once a go-to material in home construction. For decades, builders praised it for being heat-resistant, durable, and an excellent insulator. It didn’t burn, corrode, and further strengthened building materials, all while keeping homes warm and energy-efficient.
Due to these qualities, asbestos found its way into insulation flooring, walls, ceilings, pipes, siding, and roofing in homes built before the 1990s. If your house is older, there is a good chance that asbestos is lurking in its structure.
If it was so useful, though, why is it now a serious health concern? The problem isn’t the asbestos itself, but what happens when it is disturbed.
The Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
When broken, cut, drilled, or sanded during renovations, residential demolition, or even minor repairs, asbestos releases microscopic fibers into the air. These fibres are invisible, easily inhaled, and can become permanently trapped in the lungs, thus leading to life-threatening diseases.
The three biggest health risks linked to asbestos exposure are:
- Asbestosis: A lung disease caused by scarring.
- Lung cancer: Has a high fatality rate.
- Mesothelioma: An aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and abdomen.
The scariest part is that symptoms may take decades to appear, meaning that exposure today could result in illness 20 to 50 years later.
The statistics are even more alarming. According to a recent Canadian Cancer Society report, asbestos is the major cause of 1,900 lung cancer cases, 430 mesothelioma cases, and dozens of other asbestos-related diseases annually.
This is why asbestos removal by experts is essential during renovations or home demolition to ensure that your home is safe for the future.
When should you worry about asbestos in your home?
Not every home has asbestos. However, some warning signs to keep an eye out for include crumbling insulation, damaged vinyl tiles, or old popcorn ceilings. If you notice wear and tear on these materials, do not ignore them.
Even if everything looks fine, disturbing hidden asbestos during construction work can also pose serious health risks.
Safe Asbestos Removal: Why DIY Is Not an Option
If you are thinking about handling asbestos removal yourself, it is best to give it more thought.
Unlike tearing out old cabinets or ripping up carpets, dealing with asbestos is a serious health risk. You wouldn’t even see them floating in the air, yet you could be breathing them in for hours.
For homeowners and contractors, Canada has strict laws for asbestos removal, such as the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, which mandate only qualified professionals to handle asbestos abatement. These regulations require the development of an asbestos management plan, proper training for workers, and the use of appropriate safety measures during removal.
Improper handling or do-it-yourself (DIY) removal of asbestos is not only hazardous, but also illegal. Violations often result in hefty fines and legal consequences, so it is essential to engage certified asbestos removal experts who adhere to federal and provincial regulations.
The Role of Certified Experts in Asbestos Removal
Certified experts play an important role in ensuring asbestos removal is done safely and legally.
The process begins with a thorough inspection and testing, where professionals collect samples and analyze them in a lab to confirm the presence of asbestos. If asbestos is found, they move to contaminants, sealing off affected areas with plastic sheeting and negative air pressure systems to prevent harmful fibres from spreading.
During the removal and disposal phase, specialists use protective gear and HEPA filtration to carefully extract asbestos-containing materials. These materials are then sealed and transported to designated hazardous waste facilities, following Alberta’s strict disposal regulations.
Licensed asbestos removal companies ensure that every step aligns with health and safety laws, protecting both homeowners and workers. If a residential demolition project involves an older home, asbestos testing is a legal requirement before any work begins.
Skipping this step can lead to serious health risks and costly legal consequences, making professional expertise essential during this process.
How to Choose the Right Asbestos Removal Company in Calgary
Homeowners should look out for licensed and certified asbestos removal professionals who follow strict safety protocols. Experience matters, especially in Calgary, where the specific regulations must be met to ensure compliance.
A reputable company should also have proper disposal and waste management protocols that ensure asbestos is handled legally and safely.
Checking client reviews and testimonials can also provide insights into their track record, which can guarantee that your home and safety will be prioritized during asbestos removal.
However, be wary of companies that offer suspiciously cheap asbestos removal services. Cutting corners in containment, disposal, or safety measures can put your family’s health at risk.
If you are planning renovations or a residential demolition, hiring qualified experts is the only legal and best way to remove asbestos.
Makki Demolition: Safety First, Every Time
When it comes to the removal of asbestos and residential demolition, safety isn’t optional; it’s the priority. That’s why Calgary homeowners trust Makki Demolition. With years of experience and a commitment to strict safety compliance, we ensure that hazardous materials are handled the right way.
Our certified and licensed team specializes in asbestos testing, safe removal, residential demolition, and environmental cleanup, following all Alberta regulations to protect your home and health.
Whether you are renovating an older property or planning a full teardown, we take every precaution to prevent asbestos exposure and ensure a smooth, worry-free process. Don’t risk your health; trust the experts at Makki Demolition to handle asbestos safely and professionally.
We don’t take shortcuts; we put safety first, every time. Call us today at +1 (403) 392-2803, or contact us online to schedule a consultation and get expert asbestos removal that you can rely on.
