Asbestos: The Extra Step in Renovations

The construction methods and tenets of decades past continue to haunt the present when it comes time for needed changes. Whether it concerns a private home, public or private institution, the presence of asbestos is adding an extra step to renovations and even simple building maintenance.

In the 1960’s the Regal Constellation Hotel & Convention Centre was a jewel of Toronto’s airport strip, a busy and popular destination in its own right. After a couple of renovations over the years, its latest owners decided the complex’s upkeep was no longer worth the effort. Let’s face it, the construction methods of that decade were not designed for longevity and the architectural style often looks dated.

Today that once bustling hub is a parking lot. The demolition process was necessarily complicated by asbestos in various places; in fact, about half of the workers on site at any given time were asbestos abatement workers. In another project, a student centre belonging to Victoria University (University of Toronto) on Charles Street was also complicated by asbestos remediation. It was a significant consideration in both projects.

Nowadays, asbestos remediation has to be part of the equation when it comes to any planned renovations or changes to older buildings whether public or private. Fire resistant, waterproof and nearly indestructible, asbestos was once considered a ‘miracle’ construction material.

Be Aware
If your home was built before the 1970’s, you should assume that it contains asbestos in one form or another. Because it can easily be mixed with other materials like vinyl in flooring and cement in tiling, it may show up in a wide range of areas in your home, including:

• Roofing tiles
• Siding
• Insulation (as vermiculite)
• Around windows & doors as caulking
• Wall panels
• Textured paints
• Textured ceiling (popcorn ceilings)\
• And more!

While the health effects of asbestos exposure – including mesothelioma and other lung cancers – was not known for decades, it’s now well established and no amount of exposure to breathable asbestos fibres is considered ‘safe’. Asbestos is a significant consideration when making any renovations and definitely not something you can leave till the last minute.

• Asbestos remediation is possible in many cases if removal is deemed to be too disruptive.
• You should be aware of where asbestos is located in your home and keep an eye on it regularly for damage or deterioration.
• It will be crucial information when you do any renovations and disturbing a previously contained area may necessitate asbestos removal.

Let us Help
Get peace of mind from GreenStream Environmental – call us for an asbestos remediation or removal quote today.

In the Toronto area contact GreenStreamEnvironmental.ca at (416) 818-9414.

Featured in Mike Holmes’ magazine, HGTV’s Income Properties, W Network’s Love It Or List It and chosen by Homestars.com as “Best Toronto Asbestos Removal Company” based on customer ratings and reviews, GreenStream Environmental Services are fully-certified, trusted and insured professionals in the removal and disposal of commercial, industrial, institutional and residential asbestos, vermiculite and mould (hazardous and non-hazardous). Providing emergency service 24/7/365 for all of Toronto and the GTA (North York, Mississauga, Markham, Brampton, Scarborough, Ajax, Oshawa, and beyond) GreenStream has over 40 combined years of experience serving clients such as the City of Toronto, the Toronto District School Board and many more. For a free estimate in Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario, call today at 416-818-9414.  You’ll be glad you did.