_svg.png){kind=small}
100% Canadian Owned
Professional Asbestos Testing in Ottawa
Apogee Environmental Solutions offers comprehensive residential asbestos testing in Ottawa, using independent third-party testing labs to ensure objective, unbiased results. The asbestos sample collection process is essential for identifying asbestos in materials and ensuring safety and compliance with health regulations. It begins with a thorough visual inspection to locate potential asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). A small sample is then carefully taken using clean, sharp tools to minimize disturbance and prevent the release of fibers. The sample is placed in a sealed container, labeled, and documented with detailed location information. It’s then sent to a certified laboratory for analysis using polarized light microscopy (PLM). This precise process ensures accurate detection and safe handling of asbestos, protecting both the environment and public health.
Despite careful sampling, there’s always the potential for hidden asbestos-containing materials that may not be accessible during the inspection. These hidden ACMs could be behind walls, under floors, or in other concealed areas that weren’t sampled. As a result, property owners, contractors, and inspectors may uncover these materials during the removal process. While thorough inspections and sampling are crucial, the possibility of hidden asbestos highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and having a proper management plan in place to address any future findings.
Your local asbestos testing professionals
​Apogee Environmental Solutions is your top choice for asbestos testing in Ottawa, offering reliable results and a friendly, easy experience. We work with trusted third-party labs to make sure our tests are accurate and unbiased, so you can be confident in the results. Our team focuses on making the process safe, simple, and as non-disruptive as possible, whether you need testing for your home or business. If you’re concerned about asbestos, we provide thorough testing that follows all the necessary guidelines. Choose Apogee Environmental Solutions for your asbestos testing needs in Ottawa—we’re here to help keep your property safe and your mind at ease.
safety.
What Does Asbestos Testing Cost
The cost of asbestos testing can vary depending on factors like the size of the area being tested and the number of samples needed. On average, asbestos testing price typically includes fees for the sample collection, lab analysis, and any necessary reporting. If you only need a few samples taken, the cost may be lower, while larger projects with multiple samples could cost more. While the price may seem like an added expense, testing for asbestos is an important step in protecting your health and property, especially in older buildings. It’s always best to get a clear estimate from a reputable company before starting, so you can plan for the costs involved and make informed decisions about next steps.
Why should you test for Asbestos
​Testing for asbestos is crucial if you're dealing with older buildings or materials, as exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health risks like lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials like insulation, flooring, and ceiling tiles before its dangers became widely known. If you're renovating or making repairs to an older property, testing for asbestos ensures that you don't disturb potentially harmful materials. Even if you’re not planning any major work, knowing whether asbestos is present in your home or business helps you take the right precautions to protect yourself, your family, or your employees. Testing is the first step in keeping your space safe and avoiding the risks associated with asbestos exposure.
How Do We Conduct Asbestos Testing
Collecting asbestos samples for testing is a careful process to ensure both safety and accuracy. First, a professional will inspect the area to find materials that might contain asbestos, like insulation, flooring, or ceiling tiles. Once a potential asbestos-containing material is identified, a small sample is taken using specialized tools to avoid disturbing the material and releasing harmful fibers into the air. The sample is then placed in a sealed, labeled container to prevent contamination and carefully documented with its location. Finally, the sample is sent to a certified lab for analysis to determine if asbestos is present. This thorough process helps accurately identify asbestos while protecting everyone involved.
Have questions still? Talk to a human.
(343) 988-0970
info@ApogeeEnviro.ca
Frequently asked questions about asbestos testing
Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about asbestos testing in Ottawa. We’ve gathered the information to help you better understand the process, and safety considerations involved, so you can make informed decisions about testing for asbestos in your property.
The damage caused by asbestos testing is minimal and usually limited to the small area where the sample is taken. Professionals use careful techniques and specialized tools to collect samples with as little disruption as possible. The process is quick, and any visible damage is often easily repaired once the testing is complete. Overall, the risks of disturbing asbestos are much greater than the small impact of sampling, making testing a safe and necessary step for ensuring your property’s safety.
Is it Safe To Test For Asbestos
Testing for asbestos is safe when done by the right experts. They use special tools and methods to collect samples without disturbing the material or releasing harmful fibers. The process is quick and causes very little disruption, so there’s no need to worry about safety. By having a professional test for asbestos, you can get peace of mind knowing it’s being done safely and correctly.
How Many Samples Do You Have To Take
To get a clear and accurate result, we need to test at least three samples of each type of material in your property. This ensures we have a definitive confirmation of whether or not asbestos is present. Testing multiple samples helps us be sure of the results and provides a thorough assessment of your property’s safety.
How to identify potential asbestos in your home
Identifying potential asbestos in your home can be a challenging task, as asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) often look similar to other building materials. Here’s a general guide to help you recognize areas where asbestos might be present:
​
1) Know the common places asbestos was used: Asbestos was widely used in homes built before the 1980s, primarily for its durability and heat resistance. Common areas include:
​
-
Insulation around pipes, boilers, and ducts
-
Floor tiles (especially vinyl tiles)
-
Ceiling tiles and textured ceilings (popcorn ceilings)
-
Roofing materials and shingles
-
Drywall joint compound (mud)
-
Cement siding and roofing
-
Certain types of paint
​
2) Look for age: Homes built before the 1980s are more likely to contain asbestos. If your home was constructed during or before this period, it’s worth considering the possibility of asbestos, especially in older materials.
​
3) Inspect damaged or deteriorating materials: Asbestos-containing materials that are in good condition typically don’t pose an immediate risk. However, if they’re damaged, crumbling, or disturbed (such as when undergoing renovation or repair), asbestos fibers can become airborne and hazardous. Materials like flooring tiles, insulation, and ceiling tiles that are cracked or deteriorating should be considered suspect.
​
4) Don’t attempt to disturb or sample materials yourself: If you suspect a material contains asbestos, do not touch or disturb it. Damaging the material can release harmful fibers into the air. It’s important to call a professional to assess and, if needed, collect samples safely.
​
5) Get professional help: To definitively identify asbestos, hire a licensed asbestos testing company. They will safely collect samples of the materials in question and send them to a certified laboratory for analysis.
​
Remember, it’s best to err on the side of caution when it comes to potential asbestos in your home. If you suspect asbestos or need confirmation, a professional asbestos mitigation company can guide you through the necessary steps.