Asbestos & Other Old Issues: Renovate or Demolish?

Municipalities all over North America are struggling with what to do with older buildings that require extensive renovations and retrofits. Asbestos, mould, lead paint and many other construction features that were common decades ago present issues that go beyond updating windows or decor.

A recent meeting in Hamilton, Ontario brought together developers, property owners, architects and heritage experts from Toronto to Buffalo, NY to talk about how to make renovations and retrofits profitable. While the costs may make demolition and rebuilding seem like the better alternative, as Buffalo architect Clinton Brown noted, “As public policy, we think we can demolish our way to success but I’ve never seen a city … able to do it.”

A century ago, buildings were made to last even into the next century and the ‘bones’ of those old buildings are still solid. Many of the experts and stakeholders at the meeting saw the cultural and social value of preserving older buildings, asbestos, water damage and mold are among the chief culprits when it comes to throwing a complication into the works.

Your Old House
An old house has character – and probably features issues like asbestos or mould even if you don’t see them. When it comes to asbestos, as long as it’s intact, it is not considered a health hazard however any renovations or work that disturbs materials or causes dust can release breathable asbestos fibres into the air.

When it comes to mould, you may not even be aware that it’s taken hold in your home. A pinhole leak in plumbing or a small leak around a window can cause moisture to enter your home and once it lingers even 24 to 48 hours, mold infestation can begin. A musty odour, persistent cough, irritation of eyes, nose and throat and other health symptoms may be your only clue.

We can help.

• Our seasoned team of asbestos removal experts can handle large or smaller asbestos remediation or removal jobs.
• If you’re troubled by a persistent musty odour or health symptoms you can’t explain, we can remove and perform mould removal wherever it’s taken hold.

In the Toronto area contact GreenStreamEnvironmental.ca at (416) 818-9414. Contact us for a quote today.

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.