What a Typical Asbestos Removal Timeline Looks Like

What you can expect during asbestos removal in Ottawa should be the same regardless of where you’re located in the province, and which asbestos abatement contractor you’ve hired to work on the problem, as long as you’re working with an experienced, trusted, and certified provider like Canada’s Restoration Services. Our team offers competitive asbestos removal costs while maintaining compliance with local guidelines and safety standards. When you choose our team to eliminate asbestos-contaminated materials from your home, business, or any other type of property, the process will follow local requirements and an approved method.

While every property and job is unique in its own right, here is what you can expect from the asbestos removal timeline.

Step 1: Inspection & Testing

Before any work begins, one of our licensed technicians will perform a detailed inspection of your property to locate any materials suspected of containing asbestos. This is usually recommended when there’s visible damage, renovations planned in older buildings, or previous asbestos reports. Based on the initial inspection, samples may be collected and sent to third-party accredited laboratories for testing. This ensures conflict-free results and verifies whether asbestos is present and in what concentration. In Ontario, materials that contain more than 1% asbestos by weight are considered hazardous and must be professionally removed. This step confirms if professional asbestos removal in Ottawa is necessary and helps determine the scope of the project.

Step 2: Planning & Containment Strategy

Once the results are confirmed, a tailored plan is created by our in-house asbestos abatement contractors. This plan includes the removal approach, estimated asbestos removal costs, safety controls, disposal logistics, and timeframes. Planning is essential to ensure the removal adheres to Ontario’s occupational health and safety regulations. Depending on the level of risk, the removal might fall under Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3 operations, each requiring different levels of precautions. This step also includes obtaining any required notices or permits and scheduling the work at a time that causes minimal disruption to your home or business.

Step 3: Equipment Setup & Contamination Control

Before removal begins, the work area is fully prepped. This includes installing plastic sheeting and drop sheets to seal off the area, negative air pressure units with HEPA filters to prevent airborne asbestos fibers from escaping, and clear signage to indicate a restricted zone. Technicians will wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including full suits, respirators, gloves, and boots. One of the biggest risks of asbestos removal is cross-contamination. Without the right controls in place, asbestos fibers can travel through vents, air currents, or on clothing and affect clean areas of the property. Proper sealing and setup are essential for safe and contained removal.

Step 4: Safe Asbestos Removal

With the area properly contained, the physical removal process begins. The asbestos-containing materials, such as insulation, floor tiles, drywall joint compound, pipe wrap, or ceiling panels, are carefully removed by trained professionals using wet methods to minimize airborne dust. Materials are double-bagged and labeled in accordance with provincial guidelines, then stored in a secure container for transportation to a certified hazardous waste disposal facility. Throughout the process, the team follows strict safety and hygiene procedures to avoid contamination or exposure. A trustworthy provider will always ensure the removal is thorough and documented.

Step 5: Clearance Testing & Verification

Once all contaminated materials have been removed and the area cleaned with HEPA vacuums and wet wiping, an independent third-party inspector is brought in to conduct clearance testing. This involves air quality monitoring and visual inspections to ensure no asbestos fibers remain. Only when the space passes clearance testing will the containment barriers be removed and the area deemed safe to be reoccupied.

Step 6: Reconstruction & Restoration

In some cases, asbestos removal in Ottawa involves removing structural or finish materials like drywall, ceilings, or flooring. Once clearance is confirmed, the final step is rebuilding or restoring the affected areas. This can include reinstalling insulation, replacing drywall, painting, or flooring. Some asbestos removal contractors will offer in-house restoration or refer you to a trusted provider. Reconstruction can be factored into the overall asbestos removal costs and will vary depending on the extent of the materials removed during abatement.

Trusted Specialists for Safe Asbestos Removal in Ottawa

At Canada’s Restoration Services, we take every precaution to ensure your property is safe and compliant. With transparent pricing and competitive asbestos removal costs, our team offers peace of mind from the first inspection to disposal and reconstruction. With over 15 years of experience serving Ottawa and beyond, our team is the local go-to for restoring your space into a safe and hospitable environment.