Vermiculite attic insulation often contains asbestos. We test it, remove it safely with HEPA-filtered vacuum equipment, and document everything.
Vermiculite — the lightweight, pebble-like insulation poured into attics across Alberta from the 1960s through the 1980s — frequently contains asbestos, most notoriously from the Libby, Montana mine sold under the Zonolite brand. Undisturbed in a sealed attic it poses little day-to-day risk. But the moment you renovate, add pot lights, upgrade insulation, run wiring, or sell the home, it becomes a problem that has to be dealt with properly.
1. Testing. We sample the insulation and confirm asbestos content through an accredited lab. Not all vermiculite contains asbestos — testing first means you only pay for what's necessary.
2. Containment. The attic and access points are sealed, with negative air pressure preventing fibres from entering living spaces.
3. HEPA vacuum removal. The insulation is removed with specialized HEPA-filtered vacuum equipment — not shovels and bags — capturing fibres at the source. Waste is sealed and transported to an approved disposal facility.
4. Clearance and documentation. The attic is detail-cleaned and you receive full documentation: test results, removal records, and disposal manifests — what buyers, insurers, and renovation contractors want to see.
5. Re-insulation. We can coordinate new, safe insulation so your attic comes back better than before.
We provide vermiculite removal across Calgary and the surrounding communities, including Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, Chestermere, Strathmore, High River, Red Deer.
No — but a large share of what was installed in Canadian attics does, and you can't tell by looking. Lab testing is the only way to know.
If it's sealed, undisturbed, and you're not renovating or selling, monitoring it can be reasonable. But any attic work — wiring, pot lights, insulation top-ups — disturbs it, and disclosure requirements make it a sticking point in real-estate transactions.
No. Disturbing asbestos-containing vermiculite without containment and HEPA equipment spreads fibres through the home. In Alberta this work falls under OHS asbestos requirements.
It depends on attic size, depth of insulation, and access. We provide free estimates — call (403) 477-2281.
Asbestos was used for decades in Calgary homes and buildings, and it has to be removed safely before renovation or demolition can continue.
Before you renovate, demolish, or buy an older property, know exactly what's in it — lab-verified testing with fast results.
Textured ceilings installed before the 1990s often contain asbestos. We test, remove safely, and finish smooth.
Speak with Aden Integrated Services Ltd about your project.