Where asbestos hides in older buildings
- Vermiculite attic insulation: loose, pebble-like, grey-brown or gold
- Drywall joint compound and textured ("popcorn") ceilings
- Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesive underneath
- Pipe and duct insulation, especially in older basements
- Exterior siding, roofing and window putty on older homes
How abatement works
- TestingSuspect materials are sampled and lab-tested before work starts.
- ContainmentThe work area is sealed off to keep fibres from spreading.
- Safe removalMaterials are removed by qualified abatement professionals using the right protective equipment and methods.
- Proper disposalAsbestos waste is packaged, labelled and taken to an approved facility.
- Demolition can proceedOnce the hazardous materials are gone, the teardown or renovation can begin safely.
We coordinate it for you
When your project needs abatement, we coordinate safe removal with qualified abatement professionals as part of the job. Testing, removal and demolition happen in the right order, and you deal with one point of contact from start to finish. We also deal with mould-damaged drywall and building materials during demolition.
Why it matters
Saskatchewan has strict rules for how asbestos is handled and disposed of. Doing it yourself puts your family, neighbours and workers at risk, and can create a much bigger and more expensive clean-up.
Common questions
Is it safe to remove asbestos myself?
No. Disturbing asbestos releases fibres that are dangerous to breathe, and Saskatchewan has strict rules for how it's handled and disposed of. If your building is older, have the materials tested first.
How do I know if my house has asbestos?
You can't tell by looking. If your home was built before the 1990s, or has vermiculite insulation, the materials should be tested before demolition or renovation.
What about vermiculite insulation?
Vermiculite insulation should be tested and, if it contains asbestos, removed by qualified abatement professionals before any demolition or renovation. We coordinate that for you.
