Location
Ottawa, ON
Property Type
Residential
Completed
August 2026
Service
Asbestos Abatement
Project Overview
A homeowner in Ottawa contacted HCGEOT after discovering their attic contained vermiculite insulation — a material commonly associated with Libby, Montana asbestos contamination. HCGEOT performed a full Type 3 asbestos abatement under Ontario Regulation 278/05, safely removing all vermiculite from the attic floor and restoring the space with new blown-in cellulose insulation. The project was completed in August 2026.
Project Challenges
Vermiculite removal is classified as a Type 3 asbestos operation under Ontario Reg 278/05, requiring a full sealed containment enclosure, HEPA negative air pressure, and Type 3 personal protective equipment for all workers. The attic had limited access points, low clearance in sections, and uneven framing that complicated both containment construction and the physical removal process. Maintaining negative air pressure throughout and protecting the living space below from any fibre migration were the primary safety priorities.
Scope of Work
- Pre-work site assessment and attic inspection
- Construction of full Type 3 sealed poly containment enclosure at attic hatch — floor-to-ceiling poly sheeting, taped and sealed at all seams and penetrations
- Construction of a three-stage decontamination unit (equipment room, shower room, clean room) at the containment entry point
- Installation of HEPA negative air pressure unit — continuous negative pressure maintained throughout abatement to prevent fibre migration to living areas
- Smoke testing of containment to verify integrity before work commenced
- Wet suppression of vermiculite insulation prior to removal to minimize airborne fibre release
- Manual removal of all vermiculite insulation from attic floor between joists
- HEPA vacuuming of all attic framing, sheathing, and surfaces following bulk removal
- Double-bagging and labelling of all asbestos waste in accordance with Ontario Reg 278/05
- Waste transported and disposed of at a licensed asbestos disposal facility
- Full decontamination of all tools, equipment, and personnel through the decon unit on exit
- Dismantling and disposal of containment and decon structure
- Third-party air clearance testing upon completion
- New blown-in cellulose insulation installed to depth specification
Project Photos
Full Type 3 sealed containment enclosure constructed at attic access point prior to abatement
Results
All vermiculite insulation was safely removed and the attic passed third-party PCM air clearance testing, confirming fibre levels were within acceptable limits and the space was safe for re-occupancy. The homeowner received a signed clearance certificate upon completion. New blown-in cellulose insulation was then installed across the full attic floor, restoring the home's thermal performance and improving energy efficiency. The project was completed in August 2026 with zero contamination of the living space below. The client expressed their appreciation for the team's diligence, professionalism, and quality of work throughout the entire process.
