ASBESTOS REMOVAL in OTTAWA
Not all asbestos removal companies in Ottawa will charge similarly. Some could charge a flat fee for small projects while others do so by the square foot.
A small asbestos removal job, which could begin at just $150, typically involves little cuts to a wall or surface where asbestos is found. These projects usually charge for the time it will take plus the cost of materials.
Other companies could assess the asbestos scope of a home or office for its cost. If it’s spread out everywhere — on the ceiling, walls, floor, basement, and attic — you could expect a flat fee that’s proportionate to how widely your space needs remediation.
Initial inspections or hazmat surveys can cost anywhere between $400 to $600. However, most homes built in the 1970s are likely to fall within the $1,000 to $2,000 range.
The costs get higher the larger the home or building is. Of course, the level of risk involved and if third-party consultants are needed will contribute to the overall price.
Below is a table that can give you a general idea of how much an asbestos-related service will cost.
SERVICE
ESTIMATED COST
Initial inspection
$400 – $800
Lab sample analysis
$25 – $75
Minimum flat fee
$1,500 – $3,000
Complete removal (asbestos-filled home)
(for 1,500-square feet) $20,000 – $30,000
Follow-up inspection (end of project)
$200 – $400
The estimated costs above are based on current national averages. Please note that taxes, additional materials, scope, and other factors could affect your final invoice.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral that was mined for several of its great properties that provided benefits to both the end user as well as the builder.
Asbestos is a great fire-retardant and can slow down the burn rate of that which it protects or is built into (plumbing, drywall and much more)
Asbestos was an affordable filler for all kinds of composite materials. Builders of many products included asbestos into their products to make them more robust.
Why is Asbestos Dangerous?
Asbestos is dangerous due to its microscopic size and needle like shape. These fibers, when inhaled will lodge themselves in your lungs, which in terms causes scar-tissue and further health complications if continuously exposed.
Contrary to popular belief, asbestos is not toxic as it doesn't contain toxins that poison or kill cells. . It is hazardous, however.
How do you safely remove Asbestos?
The Hazardous Materials or HAZMAT contractor uses a combination of containment procedures, negative air machines, wetting techniques and protective equipment to remove the asbestos.
Asbestos removal is not a question of finances but of health. Before starting a project in any home built prior to 1986, make sure to contact Aucoins for advice on whether or not a material may contain asbestos. We will advise for free and recommend testing if necessary.
What are long term effects of Asbestos exposure?
Asbestosis
Lung Cancer
Pleural Disease
Mesothelioma
These conditions are able to develop over long periods of exposure. Prologed exposure is typically only a factor for people who openly worked with asbestos material before the government classified it as a dangerous material requiring PPE. However, there are cases where certain older homes have been majorly renovated without the proper precautions, recirculating this air without a proper decontamination could pose certain health risks.
Most of the above complications are a result of scarification of the lungs causing tissue build up, potential fluid build up, reduced breathing capacity as well as other functions of the lungs.
According to the the CDC / ATSDR, recent studies also suggest that asbestos exposure could be linked to Larynx and Ovarian Cancer, Stomach and Colorectum Cancer.
Source:https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/asbestos/health_effects_asbestos.html
The 3 Types of Abatement
The three types of asbestos abatement are Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3
Type 1
This abatement process is used for smaller projects with non-friable asbestos. Wetting procedures are used. PPE use is suggested. These are typically quicker jobs that can be done in a day and for certain materials only.
Type 2
The Type 2 asbestos abatement process is used for larger projects with non-friable asbestos or materials whose friability can be kept under control using substances or dust extraction devices. The area is fully contained during the work.
Type 3
The type 3 abatement process is for friable materials. This process requires a full containment with a dirty room, clean room and shower room. The containment must be kept under negative pressure at all times along with air testing before taking down the containment. This type of removal is quite expensive due to its setup and tear down requirements.
Where can Asbestos be found?
Drywall & compound
Popcorn ceilings and stipple ceilings
ceiling tiles (offices and basements)
Caulking
Attic Insulation
Furnace ducts
Roofing shingles and underlay
Tar paper in attic
Tile mortar & Mastik
Concrete
Hot water Piping
Asbestos can be found in many building materials found in our homes. This list is not exhaustive, but gives you an idea of how common it is.