Drywall seems simple until it turns into dust. If asbestos is present in drywall systems, especially in joint compound, texture coats, or old patch layers, sanding or demolition can spread fibres quickly.
Synchron Demolition provides safe, WorkSafeBC compliant asbestos drywall removal across Vancouver and North Vancouver. We plan the scope, set up containment, remove materials with controlled methods, manage asbestos drywall disposal, and leave the space ready for the next trade.
Need to renovate, sell, or handle a risky surprise behind a wall or ceiling? Book an assessment and get a free quote.
Where asbestos is found in drywall systems
Most people picture asbestos inside the drywall board. In reality, asbestos is more commonly found in what is applied to drywall.
Common asbestos containing layers around drywall
In older buildings, asbestos may be present in:
- Joint compound, also called drywall mud
- Texture coats such as popcorn, stipple, knockdown, or swirl finishes
- Skim coats or older plaster style patching over drywall
- Some tapes, adhesives, or legacy repair materials
Drywall projects also expose other asbestos containing building materials nearby, like insulation around penetrations, older duct wraps, vinyl flooring layers, or mastics. That is why scoping matters.
Why drywall asbestos work can be high risk
Drywall removal is not just removal. It is dust generation, and dust moves.
What makes drywall work risky
Even a small task can release fibres when asbestos is present:
- Sanding joint compound
- Scraping texture
- Cutting or snapping boards
- Sweeping debris
- Using a standard shop vacuum
If dust enters your HVAC returns, it can spread beyond the work room. In condos and multi unit buildings, it can also become a neighbour issue.
Where we commonly see asbestos drywall issues in Vancouver and North Vancouver
Older renovation layers are common across Vancouver and the North Shore. Patching and retexturing tends to stack materials over time.
Typical hotspots
We often find suspect drywall systems in:
- Basement ceilings and suites
- Hallways, stairwells, and shared corridors
- Kitchens and bathrooms with repeated repairs
- Ceilings with legacy texture finishes
- Mechanical chases where drywall was used to box in ducting or piping
Testing first: how asbestos in drywall is confirmed
The goal is to remove the right material, with the right method, without guesswork.
What gets tested in drywall projects
Asbestos testing usually focuses on:
- Joint compound on seams and patches
- Texture coats on ceilings or walls
- Skim coats or plaster like layers
- Any questionable repair areas with heavy sanding history
Lab analysis is the reliable way to confirm asbestos content. Visual identification is not dependable because non asbestos products can look identical.
When to stop work immediately
If any of these happen, stop and isolate the area:
- Active sanding or scraping created fine dust
- Texture is crumbling or flaking heavily
- HVAC was running during demolition
- Dust migrated beyond the room or into returns
Our Asbestos Drywall Removal Process
This is what a controlled drywall abatement job looks like when it is done properly.
Site assessment and scope mapping
We identify what will be disturbed, where the dust pathways are, and which drywall related layers are involved. This includes ceiling textures, joint compound, patch areas, and any adjoining risk materials.
Containment setup and negative air as needed
We build a sealed work zone using poly barriers, controlled entry, and protective floor coverage. When the risk level calls for it, we install negative air units with HEPA filtration to keep fibres from escaping the containment.
Controlled removal using wet methods and HEPA controls
Removal is done using wet methods to limit dust and fibre release. Materials are taken down carefully, often intact, with HEPA-equipped tools and continuous cleanup used to keep airborne particles under control.
Bagging, transport, and asbestos drywall disposal
Asbestos waste must be properly sealed, labelled, and packaged before being transported through approved hazardous waste disposal channels. Improper handling or drop off can create serious safety and compliance issues.
Detailed cleanup and final checks
After removal, we complete HEPA cleanup and a final review of the work area. For projects that require it, we can coordinate clearance steps so you can continue renovations with confidence.
Get a Free Quote
We’ll provide a detailed estimate with transparent costs so you know exactly what to expect. No hidden fees, just straightforward pricing.
Asbestos drywall North Vancouver condo and strata considerations
Multi unit work adds constraints that regular houses do not have.
Common strata challenges
In many North Vancouver and Vancouver buildings, drywall work has extra requirements:
- Shared ventilation and hallway exposure risk
- Elevator and loading coordination
- Working hour restrictions
- Written notices, approvals, and documentation expectations
If your project is in a condo, tell us early. We can scope the job to protect common areas and reduce disruption.
What affects the cost of asbestos drywall removal in Vancouver and North Vancouver
Pricing depends on risk and complexity, not just square footage.
Main cost drivers
Common factors include:
- How much joint compound or texture needs removal
- Wall and ceiling height, stair access, and parking or loading limits
- Containment complexity and negative air requirements
- Whether the home is occupied
- Waste volume and disposal logistics
- Timeline constraints, including after hours work in multi unit buildings
What we need to quote accurately
A fast, accurate quote is easier when we have:
- Photos of the walls or ceilings
- Year built, or the renovation era if known
- Notes on textures, heavy patching, or prior sanding
- Whether it is a condo or detached home
Homeowner do’s and don’ts before we arrive
A calm response can prevent a messy situation.
Do This
- Stop work and avoid disturbing dust
- Close doors to the room and keep foot traffic low
- Turn off forced air heating or cooling for that area if safe to do so
- Take a few photos for the assessment
Avoid this
- Do not sand, scrape, sweep, or vacuum with a standard shop vac
- Do not bag debris loosely or move it through the home
- Do not run fans to clear dust
Why choose Synchron Demolition
Drywall abatement is not a job you want done casually. It needs control, communication, and clean finishing.
Local experience and disciplined site control
We work across Vancouver and North Vancouver and understand local building layouts, tight access points, older reno layers, and condo logistics.
WorkSafeBC compliant asbestos abatement
Asbestos work in BC requires strict safety practices. Our team follows WorkSafeBC requirements for containment, PPE, HEPA filtration, and regulated disposal. We can provide relevant documentation for your project file when required.
One team for testing support, removal, and disposal
We can coordinate testing, perform removal, and manage asbestos drywall disposal so you are not juggling multiple contractors.
Related services you may need:
Areas We Serve
We proudly serve these locations:
If you don’t see your area, give us a call. We’ll do our best to help you.
