If your home or building was constructed before 2004, asbestos-containing materials may still be present in insulation, flooring, ceiling textures, siding, or other building materials. As asbestos fibers are known carcinogens, the risk of exposure increases when these materials are disturbed during renovation, demolition, or as they begin to deteriorate over time.
Professional asbestos testing is the most reliable way to determine whether asbestos is present before beginning a project or evaluating potential exposure. Alpha Environmental provides comprehensive asbestos testing throughout the Portland area, helping homeowners, contractors, and property managers better understand potential health risks before beginning a project.
Our Pricing
Call us today at 503-292-5346 to schedule an inspection.
Where is Asbestos Hiding?
Since asbestos is used in numerous building materials, it can be all around you yet hidden in plain sight. Some of the most common areas where asbestos may be present include:
- Insulation
- Stucco
- Roofing
- Flooring
- Fireplace
- Textured ceilings
- Siding
Our Asbestos Testing Process
Alpha Environmental provides asbestos testing for residential and commercial properties using accredited laboratory analysis to identify and confirm the presence of asbestos-containing materials. Our process is designed to determine not just whether asbestos is present, but where it is located and what materials are affected.
Material Samples
Bulk material sampling is used to test building materials such as insulation, flooring, drywall, or ceiling texture. Samples are analyzed in an accredited laboratory using polarized light microscopy (PLM) to identify asbestos fibers and determine the type and concentration present in the material.
Dust Samples
Dust sampling is used to detect the presence of asbestos fibers that may have been released into the environment through damage, renovation, or deterioration. Samples may be collected using tape lifts, wipe sampling, micro-vacuuming, or surface scrapings, depending on the condition of the area being assessed.
Contact Alpha Environmental for Asbestos Testing in Portland
If you need testing for asbestos in Portland, Oregon, contact Alpha Environmental today. Call (503) 292-5346 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free estimate.
Asbestos Testing FAQs
Why is testing for asbestos necessary?
Testing of suspect asbestos containing materials is required by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). For more information please visit: https://www.oregon.gov/
How invasive is the testing process?
Asbestos samples need to be at least 1 inch x 1 inch pieces for asbestos testing lab analysis purposes. Our AHERA certified sampling technicians do their best to remove as little material as possible from the most discrete area possible while still following the requirements. There may be visible damage when removing a sample that is simply unavoidable.
How much does asbestos testing cost?
Drop Off Samples:
- Regular – $97 for first, $54 for each additional
- Results would be available in about 5 business days. If you choose this option, we would only need about a 2-inch section of each area with about the size of a quarter of mastic included. Each room/area can go into Ziploc bags
- Rush – 2-3 business day – $132 for first and $89 for each additional
- 24 hour Rush – 1 business day – $223 for the first sample, $180 for each additional
Technician Site Sampling:
- Regular – $255 for selective sampling technician cost, $97 for first, $54 for each additional
- Rush – $255 for selective sampling technician cost, $132 for first sample, $89 each additional
- 1 Business Day Rush – $255 for selective sampling technician cost — $223 for first sample and $180 for each additional
- Selective sampling is not available for Multifamily, Commercial properties or demolition projects
What is the typical turnaround time?
Standard: 5 business day turn around
Rush: 2 business day turn around when received before 2:30 pm
Is there a risk of exposure during testing?
Our technicians use AHERA certified sampling methodology, thereby virtually eliminating exposure risk
How long does an asbestos survey take?
Approximately 1.5 hours
When do I need an asbestos survey?
- When demolishing or remodeling in Portland or Lake Oswego
- When testing in any apartment, commercial building, or public building
When remodeling or demolishing a home or multi-family unit (4 units or less) that is built after 1978 AND is NOT in Portland or Lake Oswego
How much does an asbestos demo survey cost?
Full site survey: $755 for technician
Limited Survey: $505 for technician – $97 for first, $54 for each additional
Survey Rush: $151 First Sample and $108 each additional
24 hour survey rush: $248 first and $205 additional
What does 24-hour rush asbestos testing cost?
24-hour rush turnaround adds a per-layer fee on top of the standard testing price:
– $126 per layer for drop-off and selective sampling
– $151 per layer for limited and full site surveys
For those who are able to wait and vacate the property for longer, standard turnaround is 5 business days at no extra cost.
Is it cheaper to drop off my own asbestos sample?
Yes, dropping off your own asbestos sample is usually the most affordable option, starting at $97 for the first layer and $54 for each additional layer. If you would rather have an AHERA-certified technician collect the sample, selective sampling starts at $255. Full site surveys, where the technician selects and collects all samples, start at $755, and limited surveys, which are for two rooms or less, start at $505.
Does homeowners insurance cover asbestos testing?
Generally, no. Since most homeowners insurance policies treat asbestos as a pre-existing maintenance issue rather than a covered peril, testing and any resulting asbestos abatement services are typically an out-of-pocket cost. Still, you should review your policy and ask your insurance provider for details specific to your coverage.