Homes built before 1990 in Northern Ontario may contain asbestos in insulation, floor tiles, pipe wrap, siding, drywall compound, roofing, and other building materials that must be professionally identified and safely removed before any demolition work begins. Asbestos fibres become dangerous when disturbed during demolition, renovation, or removal, making proper assessment and abatement a legal requirement and a health necessity. Martin Services coordinates with qualified environmental professionals to ensure safe handling on every demolition project.
Where Asbestos Hides
Asbestos was used extensively in Canadian construction from the 1940s through the 1980s because of its fire resistance, insulation properties, and durability. Common locations include vermiculite attic insulation (often sold as Zonolite), vinyl floor tiles and sheet flooring adhesive, pipe and duct insulation wrap, exterior cement board siding, textured ceiling coatings (popcorn ceilings), drywall joint compound, roofing shingles and tar, and boiler and furnace insulation. Many Northern Ontario homes from this era still contain these materials, especially homes that have not been renovated.
The Assessment Process
Before demolishing any pre-1990 structure, an asbestos assessment should be conducted by a qualified inspector. The inspector takes samples of suspected materials and sends them to a laboratory for analysis. Results typically come back within a few days. If asbestos is found, a licensed abatement contractor removes the contaminated materials following strict Ontario workplace safety protocols before demolition can proceed. This process adds time and cost to the project, but it is non-negotiable — both for legal compliance and for the safety of workers and neighbours.
How Martin Services Handles It
Martin Services has 35 years of experience working with older Northern Ontario properties and understands the asbestos issue thoroughly. We flag the need for assessment during our initial project evaluation and coordinate the entire process — from inspection through abatement through demolition — so you have a single point of contact. We never cut corners on safety, and we ensure every step meets Ontario regulatory requirements.
Planning to demolish an older structure? Call Martin Services at (249) 506-9211 for a free estimate and assessment guidance. We serve Powassan, North Bay, and all surrounding areas.