What is Asbestos?

Asbestos 101:

Among the six main types that exist: amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, tremolite, actinolite, and chrysotile, chrysotile asbestos is the most common mineral found in building materials on the market. All instances of the mineral must undergo asbestos removal in Toronto and accross Canada. 

While asbestos is not considered harmful.  However, it is by no means a less dangerous form of asbestos than other varieties. It is only less harmful when it is not friable; meaning, tiny fragments from age or damage cannot be inhaled or ingested when found solid compounds such as building materials that are intact. The other varieties of asbestos are friable, making them easy to breathe in and more likely to cause severe respiratory issues.

If your home was built prior to the late 1980s or up to the mid-1990s (the 1990s specifically referring to contaminated vermiculite insulation), you could be at risk for asbestos exposure.

Asbestos from chipped tiles (usually vinyl), loose insulation, and aging pipe wraps break down over time. As this happens, asbestos particles become friable and less flexible. Once airborne susceptibility to respiratory diseases related to exposure is increased.

Here are a few measures you can take, to avoid asbestos exposure:

• Don’t vacuum or sweep fallen debris from cracked or damaged asbestos products; disturbing the particles releases them into the air and pose a serious health risk
• At home, seal off the suspected area and keep children and pets away
• Type 2 or 3 asbestos requires government permits for removal. If you don’t know what type of asbestos you have, it stands to reason you won’t know what to do to safely remove it. Don’t put yourself, your family or your employees at risk.

Materials that Require Asbestos Testing

The procedure for asbestos abatement involves removal of or a complete restriction of its fibers from being released within a building, by encasement or encapsulation. Canada’s Restoration Services provides abatement services for the following asbestos-related issues:

• Pipe Wrap
• Duct Wrap
• Plaster
• Drywall
• Insulation
• Vermiculite Insulation
• Floor Tiles
• Ceiling Tiles
• Boards

Asbestos Removal Procedure

Our team of certified professionals are equipped to contain asbestos and prevent disbursement throughout your home or office. Necessary precautions are in place to inhibit cross-contamination. We equip our technicians with full-face respirators to provide them with extra protection and our clients with the added peace of mind.

1. The contaminated area is first marked and then fully contained before removal
2. Entry points (windows, doors, ventilation) are sealed with industry-standard poly drop sheets to cover any potential openings and prevent secondary contamination
3. Once contained, the asbestos is sprayed with a binding material to prevent fibers from becoming airborne, keeping them wet and together.
4. Asbestos is then removed and materials are deposited and sealed in 6mm poly bags
5. All garbage is safely removed and all cleaning materials are disposed of after each job
6. Throughout the cleanup HEPA filtration machines are used to continually scrub the air; this not only aids in the removal of asbestos, the negative air pressure also prevents cross-contamination
7. Clearance is provided by a certified inspector prior to contaminant removal
8. Containment and barricades are lifted and waste bags are wiped down post-inspection and prior to disposal
9. Additional restoration or repairs are then completed, leaving a healthy, safe environment free from asbestos contamination
10. We provide all clients with a certificate of work completion

Rooms Where You May Find Asbestos in Your Home or Workplace

Asbestos inspections in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and other major Canadian cities will prioritize rooms and spaces around residential and commercial property known to have asbestos contamination, thus frequently requiring asbestos removal. This includes the attic, basement, HVAC systems, and roof. However, asbestos is found in materials like drywall, vinyl, insulation, and pipe wrap, which means it can be virtually anywhere. Schedule a free asbestos inspection from Canada's Restoration Services to ensure the building materials are asbestos-free. Talk to our team today to learn about asbestos removal costs and financing options.

Why Was Vermiculite Used?

Like asbestos, vermiculite use came to prominence as a result of its insulating properties and fire resistance. When heated, it expands to fill space where other insulating materials might allow warm air to escape. Not all homes that contain vermiculite insulation are contaminated with asbestos but it’s a good idea to have it checked by a professional for safe handling.