How Much Does Vermiculite Removal Cost in Winnipeg
- Relief Restorations
- Jan 4, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 25
Vermiculite was a commonly used insulation in attics and walls, it was used for its insulating and fire-resistant properties. Although vermiculite itself doesn’t contain asbestos, the mines in which it was taken from often did, leading to asbestos fiber contamination in the vermiculite.
Disturbing vermiculite that contains asbestos will release any asbestos fibers contained in the vermiculite, leading to contamination of the rest of the building; this is why the abatement process is a level 3 abatement. Level 3 being the most dangerous, as there is an almost definite chance the asbestos fibers will go airborne during the abatement process.
Vermiculite Removal Level – Type 3 – Very dangerous, asbestos likely to become airborne during abatement
It is crucial that a professional abatement company complete the process so you can keep your family and/or occupants safe. We are equipped with the proper equipment, tools, PPE, and training to complete the job without contaminating the rest of the building, which would lead to extensive costs.
If you are planning on adding new insulation or removing the current vermiculite to add new insulation, companies will not complete the new installation without proven documentation from an accredited business whose employees are professionally trained to test and/or remove the vermiculite. Oftentimes, a company won’t go into an attic (and shouldn't) that contains vermiculite without prior testing to ensure it’s free from asbestos.
The Costs Associated with Vermiculite Removal in Winnipeg
Please Note: The pricing below is a general guideline and should not be used to determine the price of your project. Each project requires special considerations and requires a customized quote. To request a customized quote, please contact us.
Vermiculite Survey – Testing the vermiculite for asbestos
A survey is completed before we complete the abatement; this survey with bulk sample collection will tell us if the vermiculite contains asbestos. During this process, we collect samples of the vermiculite and send them for third-party lab testing. From there, we report their findings and provide you with documentation and recommendations.
A typical vermiculite survey with bulk sample collection costs between $399 – $699+gst depending on desired result speed and the required amount of samples. Typical results are provided within 5 - 7 business days; rushing the results to 1 - 2 days is subject to a higher cost.
All vermiculite is considered to contain asbestos and treated as such even if results come back negative. Testing is still required for regulatory and documentation requirements.
Vermiculite Removal – Completing the abatement
The costs associated with vermiculite removal depend on a variety of factors, including area, access, containment and decontamination location, thickness of vermiculite, travel, etc.
As we are working with hazardous materials, the waste must be disposed of properly, which will be included in your customized estimate. We’re also required to acquire third-party air clearance testing; this testing is mandatory and is included in your custom estimate. The air clearance testing is completed once abatement is complete and tells us the building is safe for occupancy. Clearance testing starts at $419+gst for local residents and can be subject to travel charges for out-of-town projects.
Typically the entire vermiculite removal process will cost between $12 - $22 per square foot; smaller projects still require a strict containment chamber system, so prices can be higher per sq ft. Here are some examples of attic remediation starting prices for standard 3-4" vermiculite thickness with no added blow-in or batt insulation:
Small attics and partial removal (under 100sq ft) - Typically starting at: $4,900
300 sq ft attic - Typically starting at: $7,900
600 sq ft attic - Typically starting at: $9,900
1000 sq ft attic - Typically starting at: $14,000
The average vermiculite project is typically in the $11,000 - $17,000 range.
If we're required to set up an additional containment chamber outdoors due to access restrictions, the project may be subject to additional setup costs. A typical outdoor containment chamber adds $1100 - $1,900.
What's Included in the Cost of Vermiculite Removal?
Vermiculite removal costs typically include several essential components beyond just the physical removal of the material. Pricing usually covers initial site preparation and containment to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers. This is followed by the careful vacuuming and removal of the vermiculite insulation and sealing it in multiple-layered bags or containers, using HEPA-filtered equipment and full PPE. Costs also include air filtration and negative air pressure systems to maintain safe indoor air quality during the process.
After removal, the attic or affected area is thoroughly cleaned, and a lockdown sealer is applied; the project will undergo third-party air clearance testing. Disposal fees are another major cost factor, as vermiculite containing asbestos must be handled and transported as hazardous waste to an approved facility. Finally, administrative items such as permits, labour, documentation, and reporting are usually factored into the total cost.
How Long Does Vermiculite Removal Take?
The time it takes to remove vermiculite insulation can vary depending on several factors, including the size and accessibility of the attic or affected space, the depth of the insulation, and any site-specific challenges such as limited entry points or existing obstructions. For a standard residential attic, the process typically takes 4 to 7 full business days to complete. This includes setting up proper containment and negative air systems, performing the removal itself, and thoroughly cleaning and HEPA vacuuming the area afterward. Larger or more complex projects, such as multi-unit buildings or attics with difficult layouts, may require additional time. If air clearance testing is requested, results may take an extra day or two depending on lab turnaround times. While every job is unique, Relief Restorations aims to complete most vermiculite removal projects efficiently while maintaining the highest safety and cleanliness standards.
Do Occupants Need to Vacate the Property During the Removal?
For safety and insurance reasons, all occupants must vacate the property during vermiculite removal. Because vermiculite insulation may contain asbestos fibers, the removal process requires full containment, negative air pressure systems, and specialized equipment to prevent fiber release into living areas.
Even with strict safety protocols in place, there is a risk of airborne contaminants during the work, which makes it unsafe for anyone other than trained and equipped personnel to remain inside. Occupants will need to be fully out of the home before the start of removal and can typically return once the work is complete and the area has been thoroughly cleaned and cleared. If post-removal air clearance testing is performed, re-entry is permitted only after the property passes testing and is deemed safe and the containment has been removed.
Conclusion
Vermiculite removal costs in Winnipeg can vary widely based on the size of your attic, depth of insulation, accessibility, and various other factors. While it may seem like a significant investment, professional removal ensures your home is safe, compliant, and ready for future renovations or insulation upgrades.
If you suspect vermiculite in your attic, the best first step is a professional inspection and consultation. Contact Relief Restorations to schedule an assessment; we’re here to provide clear answers, safe solutions, and peace of mind every step of the way.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us by clicking HERE or email us at info@reliefrestorations.com
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