Renovating your home can be an exciting project, but for homeowners in Calgary, it’s important to consider the potential risks of renovating older properties. One of the most significant risks is asbestos, a harmful material commonly found in buildings constructed before the 1990s. If your home contains asbestos, improper handling can lead to serious health issues. This blog will explore what you need to know about asbestos abatement, its health risks, and why professional asbestos removal is crucial before beginning any renovation.
At 24/7 Restoration, we understand the importance of keeping your home and family safe. That’s why we offer professional asbestos abatement services in Calgary, helping homeowners protect their health during renovations.
What is Asbestos and Why is it Dangerous?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in construction materials for its heat-resistant and insulating properties. You might find asbestos in older homes in materials such as:
- Insulation (attic, walls, pipes)
- Flooring tiles and adhesives
- Ceiling tiles and textures
- Roof shingles
- Pipe insulation
However, asbestos fibres become dangerous when disturbed during renovations, as they can become airborne and be inhaled. Long-term asbestos exposure has been linked to serious health issues, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
According to Health Canada, there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. This makes it crucial to ensure that any asbestos-containing materials are safely handled by certified professionals during home renovations.
Asbestos Abatement Calgary: The Importance of Professional Removal
1. Asbestos Testing and Inspection
Before you start any renovation work, it's essential to have a professional asbestos inspection. 24/7 Restoration offers certified asbestos testing and inspection services in Calgary. An expert will assess your home to determine whether asbestos is present and which materials may contain it.
Without a proper inspection, you might unknowingly expose yourself, your family, or contractors to dangerous asbestos fibres. A thorough inspection ensures that you know exactly where asbestos is located and how to proceed safely.
2. Certified Asbestos Contractors: Why Certification Matters
Handling asbestos is a highly specialized task that requires professional training and certification. 24/7 Restoration is proud to employ certified asbestos contractors who are experienced in safely removing asbestos from residential properties. Certified professionals follow strict safety protocols to avoid contamination and protect both the occupants and the workers.
Attempting to remove asbestos yourself or hiring an unqualified contractor can increase the risk of exposure to toxic fibres. Asbestos removal requires careful containment, proper disposal, and post-removal cleaning to ensure that fibres do not spread to other parts of the home.
3. Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure can have severe long-term health consequences. When inhaled, asbestos fibres can get trapped in the lungs and cause respiratory diseases. It is especially dangerous for children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. The primary health risks of asbestos exposure include:
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibres.
- Lung cancer: Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer.
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure, often affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
It is important to protect your family and contractors from these risks by ensuring that asbestos is professionally removed before starting any renovation projects.
4. Asbestos Removal and Abatement Process
The asbestos removal process involves several steps to ensure safety:
- Containment: The affected area is sealed off to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres to other parts of the home.
- Removal: Certified asbestos contractors use specialized equipment and techniques to carefully remove asbestos-containing materials.
- Disposal: Asbestos waste must be disposed of by local regulations to prevent environmental contamination.
- Cleaning: After removal, the area is thoroughly cleaned to ensure that no asbestos fibres remain.
At 24/7 Restoration, we follow all local and federal regulations to ensure that your home is asbestos-free and safe for renovation.
Asbestos Abatement Calgary: Legal Requirements for Renovations
In Calgary, homeowners are required by law to have an asbestos inspection and removal conducted by a licensed professional before beginning renovations in homes built before 1990. This is not only a safety measure but also a legal obligation to comply with health and safety standards. Failing to comply can result in fines and potential health risks for you and anyone working on the renovation.
Protect Your Health and Property with Professional Asbestos Removal
Renovating your home should be a positive experience, not one that puts your health at risk. If your home was built before the 1990s, make sure to have a professional asbestos inspection before beginning any renovation work. 24/7 Restoration in Calgary offers reliable and certified asbestos abatement services to safely remove asbestos, protect your health, and help you proceed with your renovation project without worry.
If you suspect that your home contains asbestos or are planning a renovation, don’t wait—contact 24/7 Restoration today for expert asbestos testing, removal, and abatement services in Calgary.
Call 24/7 Restoration now to ensure your home is asbestos-free and ready for safe renovations!
FAQ’s
Q: How can I identify if my home contains asbestos?
A: Asbestos is commonly found in materials such as insulation, roofing tiles, flooring, and textured ceiling finishes in homes built before the 1990s. A certified asbestos inspection will help confirm its presence.
Q: What is the asbestos inspection process?
A: The asbestos inspection process involves a detailed assessment of your property to identify materials that may contain asbestos. Samples are then tested to confirm the presence of asbestos.
Q: How do asbestos contractors handle removal?
A: Certified asbestos contractors use containment methods to seal off the affected area, safely remove the asbestos, and dispose of it according to local regulations. They also clean and decontaminate the space to prevent future exposure. Contact 24/7 Restoration for safe asbestos removal.
