How to Remove Asbestos Drywall — What You Need to Know Before You Touch a Thing

If you’ve discovered old drywall during a renovation—especially in a property built before 1990—there’s a decent chance it could contain asbestos. It might be in the drywall itself, but more often, the real threat hides in the joint compound used to seal seams and corners. Back then, asbestos was used extensively for fireproofing and insulation, and it was cheap, effective, and—unfortunately—dangerous.

According to Health Canada, asbestos was commonly added to construction materials until the early 90s, especially in homes built for cold-weather protection and fire resistance. If disturbed, the asbestos fibers become airborne, which poses serious health risks.

Can I Remove Asbestos Drywall Myself?

Unless you have asbestos removal and abatement experience, this is not a DIY project. 

There’s a lot of work involved to prevent airborne asbestos fibers. Not to mention the fact that asbestos materials can’t simply be tossed out with your weekly garbage pickup. If you try to dispose of the material along with other construction waste, you could be looking at fines and cleanup orders.

What to Do If Your Drywall Has Asbestos

First, stop any demolition work immediately to avoid asbestos exposure. Don’t sand, cut, or move anything until you know exactly what you’re dealing with. The next step is scheduling asbestos removal & testing through a certified team.

Testing confirms whether the material contains asbestos and helps identify how widespread the issue is. If your drywall or joint compound tests positive, a licensed crew can take over from there. They’ll contain the space using industrial-grade plastic sheeting, set up proper decontamination procedures, and remove the asbestos containing materials without contaminating other parts of the building.

Is It Safe to Remove Asbestos Drywall?

Not without professional help. Even a small mistake—like tearing a piece of drywall or using the wrong vacuum—can release microscopic asbestos fibers into the air. These particles linger and spread. You can’t see them. You won’t smell them. But you’ll breathe them in.

Asbestos abatement professionals don’t just remove the material—they restore safety to the space. That includes air filtration, disposal of asbestos waste, and confirming the area is safe for reentry. At Certified Asbestos, we do all of this with strict compliance to local laws, EPA guidelines, and worker safety standards.

Why Certified Asbestos?

We’ve handled thousands of asbestos removal projects across homes, offices, schools, and commercial buildings. Our trained technicians know how to deal with asbestos products buried behind walls, under floors, and in ceilings. We’re not guessing—we’re protecting.

Once the asbestos drywall is safely out, our team can step in with full restoration services to rebuild and refinish your space. One team, start to finish. No gaps, no handoffs.

If you’ve been searching how to remove asbestos drywall, take this as your sign to not go it alone. The asbestos handling risk is real. The hazardous waste process is regulated. And doing it wrong can cause long-term damage far beyond the walls of your home.

Instead, talk to a certified team. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or just have questions, contact us. We’ll help you figure out what’s next—and keep you safe while we’re at it.