Why BC Asbestos Removal Is Still a Big Deal in Homes

Asbestos was once seen as a miracle building material. It was strong, heat-resistant, and used in all kinds of construction. You’ll find it in insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, siding, roofing, and more. But we now know that asbestos is dangerous. Tiny fibres can break off and float in the air. When breathed in, they can get stuck in your lungs and cause illness years later. Diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer are all linked to asbestos exposure.

BC banned the use of asbestos in new buildings in the 1990s, but many older homes still have it. This is especially true in areas with long housing histories like Kamloops and Victoria. Renovating without testing means you risk releasing those fibres into the air. Even small DIY jobs can disturb asbestos-containing materials. You won’t know it’s there unless you test. Even tasks as simple as sanding drywall or removing old tiles can put your health at risk.

If asbestos is found, it needs to be handled by trained professionals. They use special tools and protective gear. The goal is to remove it safely without spreading it through your home. A licensed abatement team follows strict rules to keep everyone safe. This is not something to try on your own. Asbestos is too dangerous, and the risk isn’t worth it.

Why Summer Renovations Need Extra Caution

Summer is one of the busiest times for renovations. The dry weather makes it easier to work outdoors and keep your home open during construction. Additionally, with kids out of school, and people taking vacation time, it all lines up for projects to begin. But that also means more chances to uncover asbestos in your home.

This season is especially risky because families often stay in the house during renovations. That can expose more people to asbestos if it’s disturbed. Once those fibres are in the air, they can land on clothes, furniture, and other surfaces. You might not even know you’ve been exposed. The health effects of asbestos don’t show up right away. It can take 10, 20, or even 30 years for symptoms to appear. That’s why it’s so important to be careful now.

In BC, proper asbestos removal is the law. Contractors are required to follow strict guidelines when working on homes that may contain asbestos. If you skip testing and a contractor disturbs asbestos, they could face serious fines. And you could be left with a contaminated home and an expensive cleanup bill.

Thankfully, testing doesn’t take long. Professionals can take samples from areas you plan to renovate. They send them to a lab, and you usually get results in a few days. If asbestos is found, a trained removal team can take care of it safely. Once it’s gone, you can carry on with your renovation knowing your home is healthier and safer.

Get Tested Before You Renovate

Summer renovations can be exciting, but they also come with risks. Asbestos exposure is serious and often invisible. The only way to know if your home is safe is to test before you start any demolition or repair work. If asbestos is found, hire a professional removal service that follows BC’s safety laws. You and your family’s health is worth the extra step.

Call us today to schedule an asbestos test. We serve homes across Kamloops, Victoria, and other BC communities. Make sure your summer project starts safely.

FAQ About BC Asbestos Removal

1. What does asbestos look like?

You can’t always see asbestos. It’s often hidden in building materials. It doesn’t have a smell or taste. Only lab testing can tell you if it’s there.

2. Is asbestos still used in homes today?

No. Asbestos was banned from new construction in BC in the 1990s. But older homes may still have it in insulation, flooring, and walls.

3. Can I remove asbestos myself?

No. Asbestos should only be removed by licensed professionals. It’s too dangerous to handle without the right equipment and training.

4. How long does asbestos testing take?

Most testing companies collect samples in one visit. Results usually come back in a few days from the lab.

5. What happens if asbestos is found in my home?

If asbestos is found, a certified removal team can safely remove it. After removal, your home will be safe to renovate.

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What Happens if You’re Exposed to Asbestos?

Asbestos was once widely used as a building material primarily due to its fire resistance. However, we have since discovered asbestos to be incredibly toxic to both people and pets. Touching or disturbing asbestos releases harmful fibres into the air, which can cause severe lung diseases. The risk of asbestos exposure increases when natural disasters damage homes, during remodelling, or as homes age. Even brief exposure to asbestos can lead to long-term health effects. This is why removing asbestos ASAP is so important.

As we mentioned in the introduction, asbestos exposure causes several common health issues. For example, asbestosis is a chronic lung disease that causes scarring and breathing difficulty. Others may have an increased risk for lung cancer or develop mesothelioma, which is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of your lungs. 

Asbestos-related diseases often take years to develop, and many people don’t realize they were exposed until it’s too late. This is why homeowners should always have their homes inspected for asbestos before beginning renovations, demolition or repairs. 

An Asbestos Remediation Company Will Help You Identify the Material

If your home was built before 1990, some of the materials likely contain asbestos. It’s important to note that the risk of asbestos presence in your home increases with the home’s age. To offer an example, homes built in 1990 or later have a much lower risk of containing asbestos. On the other hand, homes built between 1980 and 1990 have a moderate risk of containing asbestos. And, homes built before 1980 have a high risk of containing asbestos. 

You should never assume that a material is asbestos-free. Manufacturers used asbestos in a wide range of products, and you cannot determine by looking at an item whether it contains asbestos. The only way to confirm asbestos presence is to examine the material using professional testing procedures. If you suspect asbestos, stop work immediately and call an expert. 

You can commonly find asbestos in attic and wall insulation, textured ceilings, roof shingles, roof felts, vinyl flooring, drywall, heating ducts, pipe wraps, cement siding, stucco, and small appliances.

How is Abestos Removed Safely?

DIY asbestos removal is extremely dangerous and illegal in many places. British Columbia happens to be one of the locations where DIY removal will result in legal action. Only qualified professionals licensed through WorkSafeBC can remove the material.

The process of asbestos abatement begins by completing a thorough inspection of the home to determine where asbestos is present and what the risk levels are. Experts will then draft a plan that follows provincial and federal regulations for asbestos removal. When the abatement process begins, workers seal off the work area to prevent contamination and disable HVAC systems. Workers must wear extensive PPE like respirators with the appropriate rating, gloves, goggles, and disposable suits. Workers use specialized HEPA vacuums along with air filtration systems to prevent airborne exposure. After removing all asbestos material, they safely dispose of it in 6-millimetre plastic bags, sealing and labelling them. They then transport the bags to specific landfills to prevent environmental contamination.

Without proper training, homeowners risk exposure, legal penalties, and improper disposal fines. 

SWIPE is Your Go-To Asbestos Remediation Company in BC!

Ignoring asbestos can have lifelong health consequences. Whether you’re dealing with a flood-damaged home, planning renovations, or ensuring compliance with workplace safety laws, trust experienced professionals to get the job done right. Protect your family, employees, and future by choosing safe asbestos removal today.

Contact SWIPE, your local asbestos remediation company now to schedule an inspection and ensure your environment is asbestos-free!

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Follow along below to read a quick summary of each article we wrote in 2021! You can view the full post by clicking on the title of the article.

June 2021 – Why Receive Asbestos Testing Kelowna For Your Home?

In June we kicked off our Swipe Contracting blog with a post about why you should receive asbestos testing. There is a long list of problems that can occur if your home has asbestos. We suggest that homeowners get a test if they are looking to renovate a significant part of their home. Those exposed to asbestos can incur serious long-term illnesses. You can find out more, by reading the post “Why Receive Asbestos Testing Kelowna For Your Home”.

July 2021 – Swipe Contracting Asbestos Abatement Kelowna will protect your health.

This article has plenty of information on the health effects of asbestos. Short-term and long-term contact with asbestos is risky. Short-term exposure to asbestos will not likely present any visible symptoms. Long-term exposure to asbestos can cause worrisome diseases including mesothelioma and other cancers. Exposure to asbestos can cause respiratory diseases and asbestosis. People are not the only living beings that can contract a disease from asbestos exposure. Pets are able to develop mesothelioma similar to human beings. For more information please check out “Asbestos Abatement Kelowna will protect your health”.

August 2021 –  Asbestos Service Kelowna Views the History of Asbestos.

Asbestos has a long history in Canada. Canada was a major force in the asbestos industry. In 1850, the first asbestos discovery was made in Quebec. As the industry took off more and more workers began falling ill with horrible diseases. McGill researched this and found a link between working with asbestos and becoming severely ill. What researchers did with the data next was shocking! They were paid off for 6 years to keep the discovery under wraps! For a full history of asbestos in Canada, check out the article “ Asbestos Service Kelowna Views the History of Asbestos”.

September 2021 – Household mold removal in Kelowna!

Mould is a very common substance that we can find in almost every instance of our lives. Not all mould is good and harmless. Which, is why it is important to remove any harmful moulds hiding in your home. If you suspect mould in your home it is important to have a professional take care of it. In this article, we went through the most common household molds that could be cozying up in your house this season. Check out the post “Household mold removal in Kelowna” for more information.

October 2021 – Okanagan Asbestos Services Appalled.

In October, we wanted to spread the alarming news about Canada’s asbestos policy. In 2018, Canada was rumoured to put a ban into effect on all asbestos-containing products. Unfortunately, there was an exemption to this ban that has put several people in harm’s way. For more information on this important news visit the post “Okanagan Asbestos Services Appalled”.

November 2021 – Why Hire an Okanagan Demolition Contractor like Swipe Contracting?

There are plenty of reasons to hire a demolition contractor. Doing it yourself isn’t an option for many people and the risk of unprofessional demolition is extensive. Safety is a number one priority and with an expert company like SWIPE, safety will always be put first. To learn more about why you should hire a demolition contractor, view “Why Hire an Okanagan Demolition Contractor”.

Swipe Contracting is Looking forward to 2022!

We want to thank all of our clients for a successful year in removing asbestos and mould from houses and workplaces.

Be sure to contact us at Swipe Contracting with any questions or concerns you may have about asbestos, mould, or demolition. We’d be happy to help you out with any of these problems. Check back with us in the new year for more helpful content. We look forward to a great 2022!

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