Licensed Asbestos Removal in Toronto & the GTA
Asbestos-containing materials are present in millions of Ontario homes and buildings built before 1990. When left undisturbed, they pose no immediate risk. When disturbed — through renovation, demolition, or deterioration — they become a serious health and legal issue.
Why Asbestos Removal Requires a Licensed Contractor
Ontario Regulation 278/05 under the Occupational Health and Safety Act sets out strict requirements for how asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) must be identified, classified, and removed before any demolition or renovation work. This isn't optional — it applies to every contractor working in a building that may contain asbestos, and it applies to property owners who hire them.
Asbestos fibres are microscopic and, once airborne, can lodge permanently in lung tissue. The health consequences — mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer — may not appear for 20 to 40 years. Improper removal doesn't just create a health risk for your family; it can contaminate an entire property and create liability that follows the building through future sales.
Where Asbestos Is Commonly Found
If your home or building was constructed before 1990, asbestos may be present in:
- Textured (popcorn or stipple) ceilings
- Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesive beneath them
- Pipe and duct insulation
- Drywall joint compound (pre-1977 especially)
- Vermiculite attic insulation
- Exterior transite siding and roofing shingles
- Fireproofing materials in mechanical rooms
The only way to confirm whether a material contains asbestos is through laboratory testing. You cannot identify it visually.
Type 1, 2 & 3 Work — What It Means
O. Reg. 278/05 classifies asbestos work into three types based on risk level. The type determines the containment requirements, PPE, disposal procedures, and whether advance notification to the Ministry of Labour is required.
- Type 1 — Minor disturbance of intact, non-friable ACMs. Minimal containment required.
- Type 2 — Removal of non-friable ACMs (e.g., textured ceilings, floor tiles). Requires negative air enclosure and HEPA filtration.
- Type 3 — Friable asbestos that crumbles easily, releasing fibres readily. Requires full decontamination chambers, continuous air monitoring, and 10-day advance notice to the Ministry of Labour.
How We Work
Our Process
On-Site Assessment
We visit the property, identify suspected ACMs, and take bulk samples from materials requiring testing. We walk you through what we find and what it means before any work is planned.
Laboratory Analysis
Samples are sent to an accredited lab for polarized light microscopy (PLM) analysis. Results confirm presence or absence of asbestos and the fibre type. Turnaround is typically 3–5 business days.
Work Classification & Planning
We classify the confirmed ACMs under O. Reg. 278/05 and prepare the scope of work. For Type 3 work, we submit the required 10-day advance notification to the Ministry of Labour.
Containment Setup
We establish a negative-pressure enclosure with poly sheeting and HEPA-filtered air machines. For Type 3 work, a full decontamination chamber with separate clean and dirty change areas is installed.
Wet Removal
Asbestos-containing materials are carefully removed using wet methods to suppress fibre release. All workers wear full PPE including respirators and disposable protective suits.
HEPA Vacuuming & Wipe-Down
The work area is thoroughly HEPA-vacuumed and wet-wiped to remove residual fibres before the enclosure is broken down.
Licensed Waste Disposal
All asbestos waste is double-bagged in labelled asbestos waste bags, transported in sealed containers, and disposed of at a licensed facility under O. Reg. 347 of the Environmental Protection Act.
Independent Air Clearance Testing
Before containment is dismantled, a qualified independent consultant performs air clearance testing to confirm airborne fibre levels are within acceptable limits. A clearance certificate is issued once the space passes.
Transparency
What's Included
No hidden charges. Every item below is part of the scope — not an add-on you discover on the invoice.
FAQ
Common Questions
Don't see your question here? Call us — we're happy to answer anything before you commit to a single dollar.
647.483.7085Do I need to leave my home during asbestos removal?
For Type 2 and Type 3 work, we strongly recommend that occupants — especially children, elderly, and anyone with respiratory conditions — are not present during active removal. We'll discuss scope and timing with you in advance so you can plan accordingly.
How long does asbestos removal take?
Most residential projects take 1 to 3 days. Scope varies significantly based on material type, condition, quantity, and site access. We provide a firm timeline before any work begins.
What insurance do you carry?
We carry $10 million in commercial general liability insurance and $1 million in pollution liability coverage — the standard for certified abatement contractors in Ontario.
Can I get a quote over the phone?
Not accurately. Asbestos removal costs depend on material type, condition, quantity, and site access — none of which can be assessed without seeing the job. We offer free on-site assessments throughout the GTA and surrounding regions.
Get Started
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Serving Toronto, the GTA, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, London, and surrounding areas. Available 24/7 for emergencies.