Asbestos Testing and Assessment
KNOW BEFORE YOU DISTURB BUILDING MATERIALS
Asbestos was widely used in building materials throughout British Columbia until the early 1990s. It may be present in drywall joint compound, textured coatings, insulation, vinyl flooring, ceiling tiles, adhesives and other materials found in older buildings.
Asbestos-containing materials cannot be reliably identified by appearance, smell or texture. Representative samples must be collected safely and analyzed by an accredited laboratory to confirm whether asbestos is present.
WHEN SHOULD ASBESTOS TESTING BE COMPLETED?
Testing should be completed before renovation, demolition, restoration or maintenance work that could disturb suspected asbestos-containing materials. This helps property owners, contractors and workers understand potential hazards before work begins.
OUR ASBESTOS TESTING SERVICES
Balco Environmental provides professional asbestos inspections and sampling for residential, commercial, strata and managed properties. We assess the planned scope of work, identify materials that may require testing and safely collect representative samples where appropriate.
Samples are submitted to an accredited third-party laboratory for analysis. Once the results are available, we provide clear documentation outlining the materials tested, sample locations, laboratory findings and recommended next steps.
If asbestos is identified, the report can be provided to a licensed asbestos-abatement contractor so the required work can be properly planned before renovation, demolition or restoration begins.
Planning work in an older property?
Book an asbestos inspection before disturbing suspected building materials.
COMMON MATERIALS THAT MAY CONTAIN ASBESTOS
Asbestos may be present in many older building materials, including:
• Drywall joint compound and plaster
• Textured ceilings and coatings
• Vinyl or linoleum flooring, backing and adhesives
• Loose-fill insulation, including vermiculite
• Ceiling tiles and acoustic panels
• Pipe, boiler and duct insulation
• Stucco, siding and cement products
• Roofing felt and shingles
• Light-fixture backing and deck under-sheeting
These materials cannot be reliably identified by appearance alone. Suspected materials should be professionally assessed and tested before they are disturbed.
Image courtesy of WorkSafeBC
UNDERSTANDING YOUR ASBESTOS TEST RESULTS
Once laboratory analysis is complete, Balco Environmental provides a clear written report identifying the materials sampled, their locations and the laboratory results.
If the sampled materials do not contain asbestos, the results can help your contractor determine how to proceed within the assessed scope of work.
If asbestos is confirmed, the affected materials must be properly managed before they are disturbed. Your report can be provided to a licensed asbestos-abatement contractor so the appropriate controls and removal procedures can be planned.
Testing results apply to the materials sampled and the areas included within the inspection scope. Additional testing may be required if previously concealed or unassessed materials are encountered during the project.
Our team remains available to explain the findings and help you understand the recommended next steps.
PLANNING A RENOVATION, DEMOLITION OR RESTORATION PROJECT?
Book your asbestos inspection before work begins.