Skip to main content

Parksville Branch: yellow triangle Duncan Branch:

Parksville Branch: yellow triangle
Duncan Branch:

Asbestos Removal

and Remediation Services

If asbestos is suspected on the property, do not touch or attempt to remove it on your own. Asbestos removal can be executed safely by our team through a remediation process.

Learn more
Asbestos Removal
and Remediation Services

If asbestos is suspected on the property, do not touch or attempt to remove it on your own. Asbestos removal can be executed safely by our team through a remediation process.

Learn more
Hazmat worker removing asbestos from room triangular shape photo, Harbour Hazmat
Hazmat workers working on exterior of home, Harbour Hazmat

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively mined in Canada. There are six forms of asbestos minerals, all of which have similar properties and health dangers. All forms of asbestos are resistant to heat, fire, chemical, and biological breakdown. Asbestos does not dissolve in water or evaporate. These properties mean that asbestos fibres do not burn, react with most chemicals, or break down significantly in the environment.

Asbestos on roof with blue sky in the background

Asbestos exposure is Canada’s leading cause of occupational deaths and has been for many years. Asbestos fibres are carcinogenic, which can lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer,  and asbestosis (lung scarring). Some asbestos-containing materials are much more friable (easily made airborne) than others and pose a significantly higher danger. 

For further information check out the link to Wikipedia page for asbestos below.

Wiki Page
Photo of hazmat workers with gear on removing asbestos from roof

How do I know if my home has asbestos?

It can be difficult to identify asbestos-containing materials. Getting your home properly inspected is the first step in determining whether or not your home contains asbestos. Older built homes have a much higher chance of containing asbestos, so this is a step that should not be left unchecked.

Home inspector writing in his notepad outside of the home

Current regulations require that all homes built before 1991 need to be tested for asbestos. Getting your home properly inspected is the only way to know exactly where all asbestos-containing materials are present. Older built homes have a much higher chance of containing asbestos, so this is a step that cannot not be left unchecked.

Contact us

Where is asbestos found in the home?

On Vancouver Island, common asbestos-containing materials in homes are often found in:

Exterior of residential home with green trees and blue skies outside the home
blue hammer svg icon

Drywall Joint compound (drywall mud)

Found on seams, corners, nail heads, and textured ceilings.
blue fridge svg icon

Sheet vinyl flooring

Also referred to as laminate or simply vinyl flooring. Found commonly in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
blue ruler svg icon

Vermiculite insulation

Commonly found in attic spaces and concrete block walls.
blue house with square in the middle svg icon

Pipe wrap insulation (Also referred to as asbestos duct tape)

Commonly found around furnace ducting in residential homes.
blue doorway svg icon

Vinyl Composite Tile (vinyl floor tiles)

Usually in 9×9 or 12×12 square tiles. Can be found in any room type in residential homes.
blue paint roller with paint dripping svg icon

Plaster

Typically found on horizontal wooden strips called laths. These can make up interior ceilings and walls.
blue house with door svg icon

Stucco

Usually found on the exterior of residential homes.
blue user icon svg icon

Contact us

Once your home has tested positive for asbestos, we can safely remove it for you.
What to expect

The asbestos removal
and remediation process

Asbestos Containment

All asbestos abatements will consist of an enclosure referred to as a containment. The containment ensures airborne asbestos fibres are contained within the work area only. This protects the rest of the home from exposure to airborne fibres. These enclosures may block hallways, bedrooms, or access in and out of the house. Alternative accommodation may be necessary during the abatement process. All asbestos-containing materials will be handled and disposed of in accordance with WorkSafe BC procedures.

Air Monitoring
and HEPA Air Scrubbers

The type of material we are disturbing, its friability, and size of the project will determine the level of controls used to complete the remediation. Some projects may require 3rd party air monitoring and HEPA air scrubbers. These machines may need to run 24/7 until the project is complete and air quality in the workspace is deemed safe.

NOP (Notice of Project)

An NOP (Notice of Project) is submitted to WorkSafe BC for all asbestos remediation projects regardless of size and scope. WorkSafe BC will be given 48 hours notice prior to the project starting. At any point during the remediation, WorkSafe BC officers may come onsite to inspect. A copy of the NOP will be provided upon completion of the project.

Clearance Letter

A clearance letter will also be provided upon completion of the project. A clearance letter may be required for permits or requested by contractors. This document states how and what materials were removed and disposed of, and confirms that the site is considered safe for unprotected workers. These letters may be accompanied by air monitoring results that prove the air quality is clean if required for the project.

How much does it cost to remove asbestos?

Harbour Hazmat offers free estimates to safely remove asbestos from your home. The estimate is based on the types of materials that need to be removed, the overall size of the project, and additional measures like air purification monitors and scrubbers. Our asbestos abatement process ensures this harmful substance is removed from your residence following proper safety procedures.

Construction worker looking at comera in work clothing and arms crossed

Contact
Harbour Hazmat

For further information call Harbour Hazmat for a free consultation.

Call us
Contact us
Construction worker looking at comera in work clothing and arms crossed
Contact
Harbour Hazmat

For further information call Harbour Hazmat for a free consultation.

Call us
Contact us