Asbestos Removal Edmonton, Calgary & Surrounding areas
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Asbestos has been used extensively in residential and commercial buildings for decades. It was emphasized for its durability and heat resistance mechanism leading to gain popularity as a strong building material. Over time, it was discovered that exposure to asbestos leads to serious health risks, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
Although the use of asbestos declined significantly in the 1980s and 1990s, asbestos-containing materials were not fully banned in Canada until 2018. As a result, many buildings especially those constructed before the ban may still contain these hazardous materials. When disturbed during renovations, construction, or demolition, asbestos fibres can become airborne and spread throughout the property, posing serious health risks to anyone exposed.
Asbestos Testing
Asbestos cannot be seen by the naked eye, so testing should always be done by a qualified professional. Samples must be carefully collected and sent to a CEPA-certified lab for accurate results.
Many people believe that buildings constructed after 1990 are free of asbestos, but that’s not always true. While the use of asbestos dropped significantly in the 1980s and 1990s, it wasn’t fully banned in Canada until 2018. That means some building materials used well into the 2000s and even up to the ban may still contain asbestos.
In our experience, certain sealants, adhesives, caulking, and cement pipes or boards used during this time can still pose a risk. These materials are often found around windows, doors, roof flashings, firestopping areas, and drainage systems.
If your property was built before the 1990s, the likelihood is even greater. Asbestos may be hidden in drywall mud and joint compound, ceiling and floor tiles, roofing shingles, insulation and cement board, pipe wrap, caulking, and other sealants
We provide professional asbestos testing in Edmonton and nearby areas, helping homeowners, businesses, and property managers identify asbestos-containing materials before renovations or teardowns.
Trained Tech
Our team is trained in asbestos remediation and certified to carry out asbestos abatement in full compliance with regulatory protocols. With extensive hands-on training and up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices, our technicians are fully equipped to handle asbestos safely and effectively. You can trust us to deliver professional, compliant, and high-quality remediation services for your property. We follow strict safety procedures throughout every stage of the abatement process. Our goal is to minimize disruption while ensuring your space is thoroughly cleared and hazard-free.
What You Need To Know About Asbestos
Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring silicate minerals composed of flexible fibers that are resistant to heat, electricity, and corrosion. They were commonly used in the construction industry, especially for insulation and fireproofing.
Asbestos is still found in many homes and buildings across Canada: Even newer properties may need asbestos testing, especially before renovations or demolitions.
Asbestos becomes harmful once disturbed: When fibres become airborne, they can be inhaled and stay in your system. That’s why timely asbestos removal and asbestos abatement are critical to protecting your health.
There Is No “Safe” Level of Asbestos Exposure: Even trace amounts of asbestos can be harmful. Asbestos testing helps assess the threat level early. Don’t take chances work with certified asbestos abatement companies to stay safe and compliant.
Asbestos Stays in Your System Once Inhaled: Once inhaled or ingested, asbestos fibers remain in your body. Prompt abatement removal is crucial to reduce exposure risks and protect long-term health.
Long-Term Exposure Can Cause Serious Illness: Asbestos has been directly linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other severe conditions.
We Work On Any Type of Property
Residential Asbestos Testing
Commercial Asbestos Testing
Industrial Asbestos Testing
Over 50 Years of Experience
With more than 50 years in the industry, we’ve earned a reputation as a trusted leader in asbestos removal in Edmonton, Calgary and surrounding communities.
Safety You Can Rely On
We follow strict safety standards, using advanced containment techniques, full protective gear, and complete compliance with provincial and federal regulations.
Industry-Leading Equipment
Our team uses the latest asbestos abatement technology to prevent cross-contamination and ensure thorough removal. Our tools match our commitment to precision and safety.
Comprehensive Asbestos Services
We specialize in all aspects of asbestos work, including asbestos testing, abatement removal, and safe disposal.
Locally Based Teams
With certified, skilled team members based locally, we deliver fast, reliable asbestos services throughout Edmonton, Calgary and surrounding areas.
Asbestos Abatement at Round Hill School
Completed for Align Builders
Why Choose Downright Demolition for Asbestos Removal ?
Service Areas
Experience the Downright Demolition difference with professional asbestos testing and abatement services across Edmonton, Calgary and surrounding Alberta communities. Backed by more than 50 years of combined industry experience, our trained team helps homeowners, businesses, contractors and property managers identify and safely manage asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos may be present in drywall compounds, ceiling textures, flooring, insulation, pipe wrap, roofing, siding, caulking and other building materials. When these materials are disturbed during renovation or demolition, harmful fibres can become airborne. That is why proper testing and assessment are essential before affected work begins. When asbestos is identified, our team develops an abatement plan based on the material, location and project scope. We use appropriate containment, protective equipment, removal procedures and disposal methods while following applicable Alberta safety requirements. Whether you are renovating a single room, completing a commercial strip-out or preparing an industrial property for demolition, Downright Demolition provides a carefully coordinated process from testing and assessment through abatement and final cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does asbestos abatement service include?
A certified technician visits your home or building and safely collects small samples of the materials you plan to renovate, disturb, or remove — such as drywall, flooring, ceiling texture, insulation, or siding. Samples are sealed, labelled, and sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis. Within 3 to 5 business days, you receive a clear written report showing exactly which materials contain asbestos and where, so you and your contractor know what needs safe handling before work begins.
Why do I need to test more than one material?
Asbestos testing is material-specific, not whole-house. A result on your flooring tells you nothing about your drywall compound or ceiling texture. We recommend testing every material that will actually be disturbed during your project, so nothing hazardous is uncovered partway through the work.
How long does asbestos testing take from start to finish?
We can typically schedule a technician within a week of booking. On-site sampling usually takes under an hour, and the accredited lab returns results in 3 to 5 business days.
Is asbestos sampling messy or disruptive?
No. Sampling is quick and targeted, using tools designed to minimize dust and disturbance. The technician is usually in and out in under an hour, depending on how many samples are collected.
How is an asbestos sample collected?
A trained technician uses specialized tools to remove a small, contained piece of the suspect material, then seals, labels, and documents its location before sending it to the accredited lab. Sampling should never be done yourself — improper handling can release fibres into the air.
What happens if my asbestos test comes back positive?
A positive result doesn't mean your home is unsafe as it stands — undisturbed material is generally considered stable. It does mean that material must be handled by a certified abatement professional before or during your renovation. We'll walk you through the next steps at that point.
Can I remove asbestos myself if it tests positive?
No. Confirmed asbestos-containing material must be removed by a certified abatement contractor. Removing it yourself isn't safe or compliant, and disturbing it without proper containment is exactly what releases fibres into the air.
Is asbestos testing required before a renovation?
In most cases, yes. Municipalities commonly require a hazardous-materials assessment before renovating a home built before 1990, and Alberta OHS requires asbestos to be identified before work that could disturb it. Even where it isn't strictly required, testing protects you and your contractor from unknowingly disturbing something hazardous mid-project.
What are the health risks of asbestos exposure?
Long-term exposure to airborne asbestos fibres is linked to serious lung conditions, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. These can take decades to develop, which is why safe handling during renovation or demolition matters even without immediate symptoms.
Does an older home automatically contain asbestos?
Not automatically, but the likelihood rises the older the home is — especially before 1990, and even more so before 1985. Testing is the only reliable way to know for certain.
Do You Have Asbestos
In Your Building?
For more information about our Edmonton asbestos testing and removal services, please reach out to us at your earliest convenience. One of our friendly and knowledgeable representatives will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
