As it turns to fall in Edmonton, there’s no shortage of new experiences: seeing the leaves turn brown, river valley walks in the crisp autumn air, and watching flocks of geese migrate south. But for those in older homes, cooler temperatures also bring an unwelcome risk: greater chances of asbestos exposure.
Read on with us here at Grimebusters, as we share some of the most common ways that cold weather can put you at risk for encountering asbestos. With over 30 years of experience providing Edmonton asbestos removal services, we’re your reliable partner in creating safe, asbestos-free spaces.
Risk #1: Older Furnace Systems
Many Canadian homes and businesses were built with asbestos materials before the 1990s. HVAC systems were no exception, with furnaces being one of the biggest risks during the winter. Asbestos was widely used in furnaces for its insulating and fire-resistant properties. It was typically used as wrapping material, pads, or otherwise in the ductwork itself. Asbestos becomes most dangerous when disturbed, making aging, brittle furnace systems especially hazardous. When a furnace containing asbestos turns on, the asbestos fibres become loosened and ultimately released into the circulating air.
If you have asbestos in your home’s HVAC system, it must be removed before any furnace installations or replacements can take place. Edmonton asbestos removal experts can remove any trace of asbestos, so your furnace work can be done safely and efficiently.
Risk #2: Unexpected Repairs
As temperatures drop, waves of hidden home maintenance issues often surface. Between roof leaks, frozen waterlines, and bursting pipes, these issues can spring up unexpectedly. These repairs often expose deeper parts of a home’s foundation, raising the risk of disturbing hidden asbestos underneath the surface.
Risk #3: Winter Wear and Tear
Even today, materials containing asbestos are widespread in older buildings. In fact, there were over 3,000 types of building materials manufactured before the 1990s. These materials were used throughout buildings and ranged from shingles to floor tiles. Unfortunately, these older materials don’t hold up well enough against frigid winter conditions. Edmonton’s sub-30 climate isn’t friendly to brittle home construction.
If you have an older home, it may have been built with asbestos. Fortunately, Edmonton asbestos removal experts can extract these materials from your home, ensuring your home’s air is clean and asbestos-free.
Risk #4: Smaller, Home Projects
While summer tends to be more popular for larger, more extensive home renovations, winter is the king of smaller, sometimes DIY upgrades. Winter is a popular time for smaller projects like installing backsplash tiles, replacing flooring, and patching ceilings. But even these small, seemingly harmless projects can release asbestos into the living space.
Before starting that exciting DIY project, call in a licensed asbestos remediation professional. They’ll conduct comprehensive asbestos testing of your home’s high-risk areas, then conduct Edmonton asbestos removal if needed.
Risk #5: Less Air Flow = More Risk
There’s no way around it—winter in Edmonton can get cold. With our severe climate are naturally fewer chances to ventilate our homes properly. After all, no one wants to open their windows when it’s -30°C outside! By itself, reduced home ventilation isn’t too concerning. Asbestos is most dangerous when it’s disturbed, not when left alone. But when combined with home projects, renovations, or already-present asbestos materials, the risk is heightened dramatically.
Breathe Easier with Grimebusters
Residing in an older home that hasn’t been tested for asbestos is like rolling the dice every winter. Don’t take chances with the health of you and your loved ones. We offer comprehensive, end-to-end Edmonton asbestos removal support—from testing to remediation. Rest easy with every breath this winter season and book asbestos testing with us today.