What Is Asbestos? Everything Vancouver Property Owners Need to Know Before Renovating or Demolishing
- PK Demolition
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
If you own a home or commercial property built before the 1990s, there’s a good chance it could contain asbestos—a material once widely used in construction and now known as a serious health hazard. Unfortunately, asbestos isn’t something you can spot with the naked eye, and disturbing it without proper precautions can release harmful fibers into the air.
Before you start any renovation or demolition project, it’s essential to understand what asbestos is, where it might be hiding, and why professional testing and removal are the only safe options.
What Exactly Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring group of minerals that form strong, thin fibers. Because it’s resistant to heat, fire, and chemical damage, it became a popular building material in Canada throughout much of the 20th century. Contractors used it in everything from insulation to floor tiles because it was durable and affordable.
By the late 1980s and early 1990s, however, health experts confirmed that asbestos exposure can lead to severe illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Today, asbestos use is banned in Canada, but it remains present in many older homes and commercial buildings.
Where Is Asbestos Commonly Found in Homes and Buildings?
Asbestos was added to countless construction materials, which means it can be hiding in multiple areas of your property. Common examples include:
Insulation around pipes, attics, and walls
Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives
Textured or “popcorn” ceilings
Drywall compounds and plaster
Roofing shingles and siding
Cement pipes
Old furnaces, ducting, and boiler systems
In Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, many homes built before the 1990s still contain asbestos in at least one of these areas.
Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?
Asbestos isn’t typically harmful if it’s left undisturbed. The danger comes when asbestos-containing materials are cut, drilled, sanded, or demolished. This releases microscopic fibers into the air, where they can be inhaled.
Once inhaled, asbestos fibers can remain in the lungs for decades, leading to serious health conditions such as:
Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease
Lung cancer
Mesothelioma: A rare but aggressive cancer affecting the lungs and other organs
Because these illnesses can take years to develop, avoiding exposure is the only way to stay safe.
How Do I Know If My Property Has Asbestos?
Unfortunately, you can’t confirm asbestos by simply looking at a material. The only reliable way is through professional asbestos testing, which involves carefully taking samples and sending them to a certified lab.
In British Columbia, WorkSafeBC regulations require asbestos testing before any renovation or demolition project on buildings constructed before 1990. Skipping this step isn’t just dangerous—it can lead to heavy fines and legal liabilities.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Asbestos?
If you think your home or building may contain asbestos, follow these steps:
Do not disturb the material. Avoid cutting, sanding, or moving anything that could release fibers.
Contact a certified asbestos inspection company to test the materials in question.
Work with a licensed asbestos abatement team if removal is required. They will safely contain, remove, and dispose of the material at approved facilities.
At PK Demolition, we handle every step of the process, from inspection and testing coordination to full asbestos removal and disposal.
Why Professional Removal Is Critical
Trying to remove asbestos yourself is extremely dangerous and illegal in many cases. Professional asbestos abatement teams have:
Specialized training to follow strict WorkSafeBC safety protocols
Protective gear and equipment to prevent exposure
Containment procedures to stop fibers from spreading
Proper disposal methods at licensed facilities
Hiring professionals protects your health, your family, your contractors, and the environment—and it ensures your project stays compliant with local laws.
Conclusion: Protect Your Family and Your Investment
Asbestos is one of the most serious hazards you can encounter during a renovation or demolition project. The good news? With proper testing and professional removal, it’s a risk you can manage safely.
If your property was built before 1990, don’t take chances. Have it inspected before you lift a single hammer.
Need asbestos testing or removal in Vancouver or the Lower Mainland? PK Demolition’s certified team will ensure your home or building is safe and compliant before any renovation or demolition.
📞 Contact us today at 604 771- 6645 for an inspection or quote.
