Asbestos Awareness for Homeowners in Vancouver
What you need to know before starting a renovation or demolition.
Talk to Your Contractor Before You Start
If your home was built before 1990, there’s a chance it contains asbestos in flooring, insulation, drywall, ceiling textures, or other common materials. Asbestos is not always visible, but when disturbed during renovations or demolition, it can release harmful fibres into the air.
Exposure to airborne asbestos can lead to serious health issues, including lung disease and cancer.
Before you begin any renovation, talk to your contractor or contact a certified asbestos testing team. At Progressive Environmental, we’re trained and certified to sample and test building materials for asbestos. We’ll walk you through what needs to be tested and make sure your site is safe for workers and residents.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a natural mineral used in over 3,000 construction products between the 1950s and 1990s. It was valued for its fire resistance and insulation—but once disturbed, the fibres can stay airborne for hours or even days, posing long-term health risks.
If your home was built before 1990, there is a strong chance asbestos is present.
Where Asbestos May Be Hiding
You can’t always see asbestos, but here are some common materials that may contain it:
- Vinyl floor tiles and old linoleum sheets
- Vermiculite or blown-in attic insulation
- Popcorn ceilings and ceiling tiles
- Drywall joint compound
- Stucco
- Roofing felt and asphalt shingles
- Adhesives and backing for light fixtures
- Deck undersheeting
If you’re unsure whether a material contains asbestos, don’t guess. Testing is the only way to confirm. We can help.
Do I Need Asbestos Testing Before Renovating?
Yes. If you are planning to disturb or remove building materials in a home built before 1990, testing is legally required under WorkSafeBC regulations. Without testing, your contractor cannot start work—and you may face fines, delays, or unsafe conditions.
How Do I Test for Asbestos?
Progressive Environmental can handle everything:
- Site Review – We review the renovation scope and inspect areas where asbestos is commonly found.
- Sample Collection – Certified technicians collect samples using safe, industry-standard procedures.
- Lab Analysis – All samples are sent to an accredited lab.
- Results & Plan – You receive a full report outlining what was found and what actions are needed.
We’ll also help you decide whether full removal is necessary or if materials can be left undisturbed with proper documentation.
What Happens If Asbestos Is Found?
If asbestos is identified in your home, a certified abatement contractor must remove it before any other work can begin. We provide complete asbestos removal services across Vancouver and ensure all materials are handled safely and in compliance with local regulations.
After removal, we provide a clearance report confirming your site is ready for the next phase.
Have Questions?
We’re happy to answer them.
Contact us to talk through your home project and get the testing or support you need.
