Location
Residential, Ottawa, ON
Property Type
Residential
Completed
2024
Service
Asbestos Abatement
Project Overview
A residential homeowner in Ottawa contacted HCGEOT after discovering their attic contained vermiculite insulation mixed with fiberglass batt — a combination commonly associated with Libby, Montana asbestos contamination. HCGEOT performed a full Type 3 asbestos abatement under Ontario Regulation 278/05, constructing a sealed poly containment enclosure, maintaining continuous HEPA negative air pressure throughout, and safely removing all vermiculite and existing insulation from the attic floor. Following third-party PCM air clearance, blown-in cellulose insulation was installed across the full attic footprint to restore the home's thermal performance. The project was completed in 2024.
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 restricted access points, low clearance in sections, and complex truss framing that complicated both containment construction and the physical removal process. Maintaining continuous negative air pressure and protecting the living space below from any fibre migration were the primary safety priorities throughout the abatement.
Scope of Work
- Pre-work site assessment and attic inspection — documentation of existing vermiculite and batt insulation conditions
- 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 and existing fiberglass batt 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 PCM air clearance testing upon completion
- Blown-in cellulose insulation installed across full attic footprint following clearance
Project Photos
Existing attic conditions — vermiculite granules and fiberglass batt insulation identified 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. Blown-in cellulose insulation was then installed across the full attic floor, restoring the home's thermal performance. The project was completed in 2024 with zero contamination of the living space below.
