Asbestos Removal
Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia's housing stock is among the oldest in the United States. More than 60% of the city's residential properties were built before 1960, and a significant portion of these contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that remain undisturbed — and safe — until a renovation, demolition, or deterioration event disturbs them.

When asbestos fibers become airborne, they are invisible, odorless, and extremely dangerous. Inhalation over time is directly linked to mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Pennsylvania law requires that all asbestos removal be performed by licensed contractors following strict containment and disposal protocols.

Types of Asbestos We Remove

Asbestos was used in dozens of building materials common in Philadelphia-era construction. Our licensed contractors are experienced with all of the following:

Pipe & Boiler Insulation

The most common asbestos finding in Philadelphia row homes and older apartment buildings. Pipe insulation — especially the white or gray wrap around steam and hot water pipes in basements — was almost universally made with asbestos from the 1930s through the late 1970s. Boiler insulation is similarly prevalent and is considered friable (crumbles easily), making it the highest-priority material for professional removal.

Floor Tiles & Mastic Adhesive

9-inch and 12-inch vinyl floor tiles manufactured before 1980 frequently contain asbestos, as does the black adhesive (mastic) used to install them. These are common in Philadelphia kitchens, bathrooms, and basement floors. While intact floor tiles are generally considered low-risk, they must be removed by licensed contractors prior to renovation or demolition.

Textured & Popcorn Ceilings

Spray-applied textured ceiling finishes used through the mid-1970s often contain asbestos. Sanding or scraping these surfaces releases high concentrations of airborne fibers. Our contractors use wet methods and negative air pressure containment to safely remove all textured ceiling materials.

Exterior Siding (Transite)

Asbestos cement siding — often called transite — was widely installed on Philadelphia homes and duplexes from the 1940s through the 1970s. It resembles a thin, brittle shingle and is commonly found in Northeast Philadelphia and other neighborhoods developed during that era. While non-friable when intact, cutting or breaking transite releases fibers and requires licensed removal.

Roofing Materials

Asbestos roofing shingles and felt underlayment were common through the 1970s. Roof replacement on pre-1980 Philadelphia properties often uncovers asbestos materials that must be properly abated before new roofing is installed.

Duct Insulation & HVAC Wrap

Older forced-air HVAC systems frequently used asbestos-containing duct wrap, joint compound on ductwork, and flexible connector materials. These are particularly common in commercial buildings and larger residential properties converted from single-family to multi-unit use.

Philadelphia Air Management Services (AMS) Requirements

Philadelphia has stricter asbestos notification requirements than the state of Pennsylvania. Before any asbestos abatement project, contractors must submit written notification to the Philadelphia Air Management Services office. This notification must be submitted a minimum of 10 business days before work begins for most projects (emergency provisions exist for urgent situations).

Our licensed contractors handle all AMS notifications as a standard part of every project, so you never have to navigate the Philadelphia regulatory process on your own.

The Abatement Process

All asbestos removal performed through Philly Abatement follows the EPA and OSHA abatement protocol:

1. Pre-abatement inspection — Licensed inspector identifies all ACMs and creates a written abatement plan
2. AMS notification — Written notification submitted to Philadelphia Air Management Services
3. Containment setup — The work area is sealed with polyethylene sheeting and negative air pressure is established using HEPA-filtered air scrubbers to prevent fiber migration
4. Personal protective equipment — All workers wear full-body Tyvek suits, respirators, and gloves throughout the project
5. Wet removal — ACMs are kept wet during removal to suppress fiber release
6. Sealed disposal — All materials are double-bagged in labeled asbestos waste bags and transported to a licensed disposal facility
7. HEPA vacuum cleanup — The work area is thoroughly cleaned with HEPA vacuums
8. Air clearance testing — An independent third-party performs final air monitoring to confirm fiber levels are below regulatory limits before re-occupancy

What Does Asbestos Removal Cost in Philadelphia?

Project costs vary based on material type, quantity, and accessibility. General ranges for Philadelphia residential projects:

• Floor tile abatement (single room): $1,500 – $3,500
• Pipe insulation (whole basement): $3,000 – $7,000
• Popcorn ceiling removal (whole home): $4,000 – $9,000
• Exterior siding removal: $5,000 – $14,000
• Whole-home abatement (pre-demolition): $8,000 – $25,000+

All estimates are provided in writing after an on-site inspection. There is no charge for the estimate.