Despite it being federally banned in 2018, asbestos continues to be a prominent risk in Edmonton homes. It’s virtually undetectable by everyday standards, hiding in walls, flooring, and other common building materials. Unfortunately, it’s highly hazardous to humans and should be taken seriously. If you’re unsure whether your home needs an asbestos abatement contractor, continue reading. In this short guide, we’ll delve into when you’ll need an asbestos abatement contractor for your home.
Grimebusters is Edmonton’s top asbestos abatement team, aiding homeowners in clearing out asbestos since 1994. Our team of remediation experts is here to provide reliable, thorough services—including biohazard cleaning, water damage remediation, mould cleaning, and asbestos abatement. Read on!
When Hiring a Contractor Becomes a Must
There’s no simple at-home testing homeowners can do themselves when it comes to asbestos. Asbestos is made of tiny, needle-like fibres that are invisible to the human eye. In fact, that’s a big part of what makes it so dangerous. However, there are a few clear signs that may cause concern when it comes to asbestos exposure.
For example, a definite indicator is if you or the previous homeowners have received reports of asbestos materials within your home. Another is if your home was built before the 21st century. In the past, many building materials were made with asbestos. Asbestos was a popular additive in these materials due to its unique properties, including fire resistance and insulation.
What to Ask Before Calling an Asbestos Abatement Contractor
Here are a few questions to ask yourself before calling in an asbestos abatement contractor:
- “Was my home built before the 1990s?”
- “Am I planning on renovating my home any time soon?”
- “Am I planning on selling or renting my home any time soon?”
- “Have any family members or I been experiencing persistent respiratory issues?”
- “Do I have any children, elderly, or immunocompromised individuals at home?”
If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, it’s time to call in an asbestos remediation professional.
Legal Requirements For Asbestos Abatement in Edmonton
There are times when it’s completely necessary to call an asbestos abatement contractor. For example, landlords have a duty of care to their tenants to ensure that rented spaces are completely safe and habitable. These standards include ensuring that spaces with hazardous asbestos conditions have been properly remediated.
If a home has been deemed unsafe, the property owner is also liable for ensuring that the asbestos abatement contractor is fully licensed. This is in line with Edmonton’s safety codes, which ensure asbestos is dealt with thoroughly and to the highest standards. All licensed contractors are outfitted with the necessary tools and gear to ensure the remediation can be done without putting anyone at risk.
What Happens When You Do Call a Contractor?
Once you do end up calling an asbestos abatement contractor, they’ll be required to follow strict city-required procedures.
At Grimebusters, our comprehensive process is as follows:
- Initial Consultation
- Thorough Inspection
- Sample collection
- Off-site material testing
- Lab results
- Created plan (with quote)
- Asbestos removal
- Air clearance testing
- Final walkthrough
We won’t finish until the job is done right. That’s why when you partner with us for your asbestos removal, you can rest assured that there won’t be any traces left.
Skip the Risk, Keep the Reno with Grimebusters
Asbestos is a risk no one should have to worry about. If you’re worried about the presence of asbestos in your home, reaching out to a professional contractor for testing is the first step. At Grimebusters, we’re here to help. Reach out to our team today to book your asbestos testing appointment and get one step closer to complete peace of mind. Just in time to start planning your summer home renovations!