Asbestos in Drywall

Asbestos was commonly used in drywall joint compound from the 1940s to the late 1970s due to its desirable properties such as fire resistance, strength, and insulating capabilities. Joint compounds, also known as "mud," were used to seal joints between sheets of drywall and to cover nails and other imperfections. Manufacturers added asbestos to these compounds to enhance their durability and performance. However, the health hazards of asbestos exposure, including respiratory diseases and cancers such as mesothelioma, became increasingly apparent. By the late 1970s, regulatory measures were introduced to limit and eventually ban the use of asbestos in joint compounds and other building materials. Despite these regulations, many older buildings still contain asbestos-laden joint compounds, necessitating careful management and abatement to protect public health. 

It is not feasible to ascertain the presence of asbestos in drywall solely based on its appearance. To accurately determine whether asbestos is present, please contact us to arrange for sample collection. We will send these samples to an accredited third-party laboratory for evaluation. If the test results confirm the presence of asbestos and you choose Apogee for the asbestos removal service, we will waive the costs associated with material sampling and analysis. 

Asbestos removal is inherently costly, though removing asbestos in drywall is relatively straightforward compared to other forms. The primary expense in these projects is labor, driven by the significant safety risks associated with asbestos handling. Workers in this field are compensated at a premium rate due to the dangerous nature of the job, requiring extensive training and specialized certifications to ensure safe and effective removal.

The cost of asbestos removal is largely determined by the scale of the area to be addressed. Another significant expense is disposal. Asbestos waste cannot be discarded in regular landfills; it requires special certifications, licenses, and permits for safe transportation and disposal. At Apogee Environmental Solutions, we do not handle asbestos disposal directly; instead, we subcontract this task to larger, specialized companies in Ottawa equipped for such operations.

Additional costs include specialized abatement equipment, advanced safety gear, site preparation and protection, meticulous planning, and comprehensive insurance coverage. For a precise quote, please fill out our contact form or call us directly. This will allow us to assess your project thoroughly and provide an accurate estimate.