Asbestos Testing. The Material That's Still in Millions of Oregon Buildings.
Homes, schools, and commercial buildings constructed before 1980 commonly contain asbestos in insulation, flooring, ceiling tiles, and roofing materials. It’s not a problem until it’s disturbed. Before you renovate, demo, or sell — you need to know what’s there.
Why Asbestos Testing Matters
It's Probably in There
If your building was constructed before 1980, asbestos is likely present somewhere — insulation, floor tiles, roof shingles, joint compound, pipe wrap. That's not alarmist, that's just the era. Testing tells you exactly where.
Only Dangerous When Disturbed
Intact asbestos isn't an immediate threat. The risk comes when materials are cut, drilled, demolished, or deteriorate. Before any renovation or demo work begins, you need to know what you're cutting into.
Oregon Law Requires It
Testing before demolition or renovation of pre-1980 structures isn't optional in Oregon, it's required under DEQ regulations. We provide the accredited documentation contractors and property owners need to stay compliant.
We Test. We Don't Remediate
Nova Genesis has no abatement work to sell you. Our results are never influenced by what removal would cost. You get accurate findings and the freedom to decide what happens next.
Stricter Standards For Public Properties
AHERA regulations require asbestos management plans for schools, and commercial properties face additional scrutiny during transactions and renovation permitting. We know what documentation those situations require.
Documentation That Protects You
Whether it's for a DEQ permit, a real estate transaction, an insurance claim, or contractor liability — a certified asbestos test report is the document that keeps everyone protected.
Working With Us
Step 1: Tell Us What You're Working With
Call us or fill out the form. Let us know the building type, year of construction, and what you're planning — a renovation, demolition, property sale, or just a concern about existing materials. We'll tell you what sampling makes sense and what's required for your situation.
Step 2: We Come Out And Sample
A certified technician comes to the property and collects bulk samples from the suspected materials — insulation, tiles, roofing, drywall compound, whatever applies. The visit typically takes about an hour. We handle the samples carefully so nothing gets disturbed in the process.
Step 3: You Get the Report
Samples go to an accredited lab and results come back the next day or within 2 business days depending on your timeline and budget. Your report identifies exactly what was found, where, and at what condition — formatted to satisfy DEQ requirements, contractor needs, or real estate documentation.
Don't Demo or Renovate Without Knowing What's in There.
Oregon law requires asbestos testing before demolition. Results in 1–2 business days. No remediation agenda.
Common Questions About Asbestos Testing
Here are some questions we frequently receive.
In pre-1980 construction you’ll commonly find asbestos in pipe and duct insulation, vinyl floor tiles and the adhesive beneath them, popcorn and textured ceiling finishes, roof shingles, joint compound, and around boilers and furnaces. If the building is old enough, assume it’s somewhere until testing proves otherwise.
Yes. Oregon DEQ regulations require accredited asbestos surveys before demolition or renovation of pre-1980 structures. Skipping this step exposes contractors and property owners to significant fines and project shutdowns. We provide the certified documentation that satisfies those requirements.
A certified technician collects small bulk samples from the suspected materials. Samples are handled carefully to avoid disturbing fibers during collection. They go to an accredited lab and results come back the next day or within 2 business days depending on your timeline and budget.
We give you the report and the facts — fiber type, location, condition, and concentration. Nova Genesis doesn’t do abatement, so there’s no removal work influencing what we tell you. You decide what happens next. We can point you toward qualified abatement contractors in the Portland and Salem area if needed.
Friable asbestos can be crumbled by hand and releases fibers into the air — it’s the higher risk category and typically requires immediate attention. Non-friable asbestos is bound in a solid material and is generally stable unless disturbed. Your report will identify which you’re dealing with and what that means practically.
Yes. Schools are governed by federal AHERA regulations which require asbestos inspection, management plans, and re-inspection every three years. Commercial properties face additional scrutiny during transactions and renovation permitting. We know what each situation requires and document accordingly.
What Our Clients Say
Here’s a glimpse of what our clients have to share.
Additional Testing Services Available
Explore our range of environmental testing services tailored to your needs.
Asbestos Testing
Pre-1980 buildings are a known risk. Before you demo, renovate, or sell, know what's in your walls, flooring, and insulation. We test it, document it, and hand you the facts.
Mold Testing
Visible mold is obvious. Hidden mold isn't. If you're chasing a smell, dealing with moisture damage, or buying a property with a history, testing tells you what's actually going on.
Lead Testing
Paint, dust, soil, plumbing — lead hides in older properties and doesn't announce itself. Our SCIAPS 550 XRF gives you on-site results with no lab wait and no agenda.
Air Quality
What's in the air isn't always visible. We test for particulates, VOCs, and other airborne contaminants that affect the health of everyone who lives or works in the space.