--- title: "Residential Asbestos Removal in St. Louis | Advanced Environmental Services" description: "Asbestos in a St. Louis house follows different rules than a commercial job. See where it hides, when testing comes first, and removal versus encapsulation." url: https://www.aes-stl.com/residential-asbestos-removal publisher: Advanced Environmental Services phone: +1-314-865-2662 quote: https://www.aes-stl.com/contact --- # Residential Asbestos Removal in St. Louis: What Changes for a House Missouri DNR excepts a single house of four or fewer units, but not a converted building or a job covering two or more houses. City and County permits still apply. Test suspect material first, leave intact material alone, and hire a licensed abatement contractor to remove it. AES serves homes and businesses. [Request a Quote](https://www.aes-stl.com/contact)[(314) 865-2662](tel:+1-314-865-2662) ![Insulated boiler tanks and piping in a mechanical room before AES asbestos abatement](https://www.aes-stl.com/_astro/Asbestos-pg-3-photo-1.DrFsYFHB_1Dz3mY.webp) ![AES crew member in a protective suit and orange hard hat removing wall material from scaffolding](https://www.aes-stl.com/_astro/098.hgZ7AvUK_QfCE8.webp) ![AES abatement workers in white protective suits and respirators scraping a building wall from scaffolding](https://www.aes-stl.com/_astro/099.DIly0KOe_QvKKD.webp) ## Houses have a rule exception Missouri DNR excepts a single residential structure with four or fewer dwelling units, but not a converted building or a job covering two or more houses. ## Test before you touch Only a lab result tells you whether a material has asbestos. Do not break, sand or scrape suspect material to find out. ## Local permits still apply The City of St. Louis and St. Louis County both run their own asbestos programs. Ask them before work starts. ## Two options Intact material can sometimes be sealed in place. Material you will disturb should be removed by a trained contractor. ## How is residential asbestos removal different from a commercial job? A house often follows different rules than a business. Missouri DNR regulates demolition and renovation of commercial, public, industrial and residential buildings, with one exception: a single residential structure with four or fewer dwelling units, unless it was ever used for a nonresidential purpose or the project involves two or more residential structures. Commercial and larger buildings face the full inspection, notice and contractor rules. That exception does not make asbestos safe. It changes who must file what. The health risk is the same in a kitchen or a warehouse. EPA’s federal rule uses the same four-unit line, so the state and federal rules match here. House or building of 4 or fewer units Commercial, industrial, or 5+ units DNR and federal rules Excepted when it is one residential structure never used for a nonresidential purpose Apply Inspection before work Smart. DNR says to consider trained professionals Required, by a Missouri certified inspector Notice to DNR Not required by the state exception At least 10 working days before regulated abatement Contractor Strongly advised Registered abatement contractor above threshold amounts City or County permit Ask the local agency Required where the local program applies Two cases catch owners off guard. DNR says projects with two or more residential structures are not exempt. It also says a structure that changed use, such as a house converted to a business, is not exempt. If your property is a rental portfolio, a converted house or a mixed-use building, assume the rules apply and ask first. Need the business side? See [commercial asbestos removal](https://www.aes-stl.com/commercial-asbestos-removal). ## Where does asbestos hide in a St. Louis house? Asbestos hides in building products made before it fell out of use. EPA lists vinyl floor tile, sheet flooring backing and adhesives, roofing and siding shingles, textured paint and patching compounds, and coated pipes. You cannot identify any of these by sight alone. In a typical older house, check these spots, then test before you disturb them: - Floors: old vinyl tile, sheet flooring backing and the glue under it. See [asbestos floor tile](https://www.aes-stl.com/asbestos-floor-tile) and [floor adhesive removal](https://www.aes-stl.com/floor-adhesive-removal). - Ceilings and walls: textured paint and patching compound. - Pipes and furnace areas: wrap or tape on hot water and steam pipes. - Exterior: siding and roofing shingles. See [asbestos siding removal](https://www.aes-stl.com/asbestos-siding-removal). Our guide on [asbestos in older St. Louis homes](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/asbestos-in-older-st-louis-homes) covers housing age, vermiculite attic insulation and what to ask when you buy. This page picks up where it stops: what the job looks like once you decide to act. ## Should I test for asbestos before any work? Yes. Test first, every time. A lab test is the only way to know whether a material has asbestos. For regulated structures, DNR requires a thorough inspection by a Missouri certified asbestos inspector before demolition or renovation. Even where a house is excepted, a test keeps your plan honest. Do not cut, sand or scrape a material to “see if it is asbestos.” That is how fibers get loose. EPA says exposure may occur only when the material is disturbed or damaged. A trained person takes the sample with the right precautions. A survey also helps you plan. It lists each suspect material, where it sits and how much there is. That tells you whether your job stays under the threshold amounts of 160 square feet, 260 linear feet or 35 cubic feet. AES owner Dennis Ruckman is “trained and certified as an Asbestos Inspector & Supervisor,” and AES says, “We are AHERA Certified Building Inspectors.” See [asbestos testing](https://www.aes-stl.com/asbestos-testing) and [asbestos survey](https://www.aes-stl.com/asbestos-survey). ## What permits and notices apply in St. Louis City and County? In the City, abatement projects must be reported on the STL City Permits website. In the County, the Air Pollution Control Program issues the permits. The state asks for notice at least 10 working days before a regulated project. Ask the local agency which rules reach your house. The City sets lower trigger sizes than the state. Its page says abatement of more than 10 square feet, 16 linear feet or 3 cubic feet falls under City Ordinance 71332. The page does not say whether single-family homes are excluded. Do not guess. Call the City’s Air Pollution Control office before you plan. DNR also tells owners to contact the local agency to learn about extra requirements. DNR lists the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County as local agencies that process asbestos notices. AES says it has a good working relationship with St. Louis City Air Pollution Control, St. Louis County Department of Health and the Missouri DNR. For the City filing steps, read [how to file in the City of St. Louis](https://www.aes-stl.com/blog/st-louis-city-asbestos-abatement-permit). For the state notice, read [the 10 working day rule](https://www.aes-stl.com/blog/missouri-asbestos-notification-10-working-days). For the full rule set, see [Missouri demolition and renovation asbestos rules](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/missouri-demolition-and-renovation-asbestos-rules). ## Should I remove asbestos or seal it in place? It depends on the material and your plans. Intact material that nobody will touch can sometimes be sealed. Material that you will cut, drill, sand or demolish should be removed. Damaged material usually needs removal or repair by a professional. A survey tells you which case you have. Situation Usual next step Intact material, no work planned Leave it, label it in your notes, and recheck its condition Intact material, you want a barrier Ask about [encapsulation](https://www.aes-stl.com/asbestos-encapsulation) Damaged, crumbling or wet material Stop. Call a professional before anyone enters Remodel, demolition or new flooring planned Remove the affected material first Floor tile under a project Remove before demolition, as DNR generally recommends DNR notes that floor tile and linoleum are Category I materials it generally recommends removing before demolition, because demolition could turn them into regulated material. Learn the terms in our glossary: [encapsulation](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/encapsulation), [friable asbestos](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/friable-asbestos) and [non-friable asbestos](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/non-friable-asbestos). ## What happens during a professional removal? A trained crew isolates the work area, controls dust, removes the material, bags the waste and cleans up. The details follow your survey and the rules for your job. Containment keeps fibers inside the work area. HEPA filtration cleans the air that leaves it. EPA’s work-practice overview for regulated jobs describes the same ideas: wet the material, seal it in leak-tight containers, and dispose of the waste at a landfill qualified to receive it. AES also handles the disposal side. See [asbestos disposal](https://www.aes-stl.com/asbestos-disposal). For the full sequence, read [the asbestos removal process](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/asbestos-removal-process). Learn the terms: [containment](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/containment), [HEPA filter](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/hepa-filter) and [negative air machine](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/negative-air-machine). ## Can I remove asbestos myself? Do not. Hire trained people. Missouri DNR says a project that involves asbestos should consider trained professionals who know OSHA standards, whether or not the department regulates it. Home removal also risks spreading fibers through the rest of the house, where you and your family live. If your house is excepted from the DNR rule, that is a legal point about notices and registration. It is not a safety clearance. Waste still has to go to an approved landfill or transfer facility. Ask a professional before you break any suspect material. Not sure what you have? Our page on [whether you need asbestos removal](https://www.aes-stl.com/do-you-need-asbestos-removal) walks through the signs. For price drivers, see the [asbestos removal cost guide](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/asbestos-removal-cost). AES does not publish prices here because each house is different. ## Who does residential asbestos work in St. Louis? Advanced Environmental Services, Inc. (AES) serves residential, commercial, industrial, governmental and healthcare customers from 3100 Gravois Ave in St. Louis. It handles asbestos abatement, testing and disposal for homes as well as buildings. The service area is St. Louis and projects within 300 miles. When you compare bidders, ask each one for its Missouri registration, the survey it will rely on, how it contains the work area and where the waste goes. Our guide on [hiring an asbestos contractor in Missouri](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/hiring-an-asbestos-contractor-in-missouri) lists the questions. ## Next step Learn about our [asbestos abatement service](https://www.aes-stl.com/asbestos-abatement), or call (314) 865-2662 to talk about your house. You can also send the details through our [quote form](https://www.aes-stl.com/contact). Tell us the address, the material and the work you plan. AES quotes each job. ## Frequently asked questions ### Do I need a licensed contractor to remove asbestos from my house? It depends on the structure and the amount. Missouri DNR excepts a single residential structure with four or fewer dwelling units from its regulation unless it was ever used for a nonresidential purpose or the project involves two or more residential structures. Even so, DNR says trained asbestos professionals who know OSHA standards should be considered for any asbestos work. Do not remove it yourself. Call AES to talk through your house. ### How do I know if my house has asbestos? You cannot tell by looking. Age, color and size are clues, not proof. A lab test of a sample is the only way to know. Do not cut, sand or scrape suspect material to collect a sample. AES offers asbestos testing and surveys. Call (314) 865-2662 to set one up. ### Is asbestos dangerous if I leave it alone? EPA says exposure may occur only when the material is disturbed or damaged in a way that releases fibers into the air. Intact material that nobody touches is a lower concern. Material that is crumbling, wet, or in the path of a remodel is the problem. Plan before any work starts. ### Can I seal asbestos instead of removing it? Sometimes. Encapsulation coats intact material so fibers stay in place. It does not suit material you plan to cut, drill or demolish, or material that is already damaged. AES can look at the material and tell you which option fits. See our asbestos encapsulation page for details. ### What is different about a commercial asbestos job? Commercial, industrial and larger residential buildings fall under the DNR and federal rules. They need a thorough inspection, notification before work, and a registered abatement contractor above the threshold amounts. A single house of four or fewer units is excepted unless it was ever used for a nonresidential purpose or the project involves two or more residential structures. See our commercial asbestos removal page for that side. ### How do I get a quote? Call (314) 865-2662 or use the quote form on our contact page at /contact. Tell us the address, the room, what the material is and what work you plan. AES quotes each job. A site visit and a lab result make the quote match your house. ## Terms on this page - [Negative air machine](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/negative-air-machine) - [Non-friable asbestos](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/non-friable-asbestos) - [Asbestos survey](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/asbestos-survey) - [Encapsulation](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/encapsulation) - [Containment](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/containment) - [HEPA filter](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/hepa-filter) ## Sources 1. [Missouri DNR: Asbestos Requirements for Demolition and Renovation Projects (PUB2157), who is regulated](https://dnr.mo.gov/document-search/asbestos-requirements-demolition-renovation-projects-pub2157/pub2157) 2. [Missouri DNR: PUB2157, two or more residential structures](https://dnr.mo.gov/document-search/asbestos-requirements-demolition-renovation-projects-pub2157/pub2157) 3. [Missouri DNR: PUB2157, change of use](https://dnr.mo.gov/document-search/asbestos-requirements-demolition-renovation-projects-pub2157/pub2157) 4. [Missouri DNR: PUB2157, inspection](https://dnr.mo.gov/document-search/asbestos-requirements-demolition-renovation-projects-pub2157/pub2157) 5. [Missouri DNR: PUB2157, threshold amounts](https://dnr.mo.gov/document-search/asbestos-requirements-demolition-renovation-projects-pub2157/pub2157) 6. [Missouri DNR: PUB2157, notification](https://dnr.mo.gov/document-search/asbestos-requirements-demolition-renovation-projects-pub2157/pub2157) 7. [Missouri DNR: PUB2157, projects not regulated by the department](https://dnr.mo.gov/document-search/asbestos-requirements-demolition-renovation-projects-pub2157/pub2157) 8. [Missouri DNR: PUB2157, floor tile and linoleum](https://dnr.mo.gov/document-search/asbestos-requirements-demolition-renovation-projects-pub2157/pub2157) 9. [Missouri DNR: PUB2157, local agencies](https://dnr.mo.gov/document-search/asbestos-requirements-demolition-renovation-projects-pub2157/pub2157) 10. [US EPA: Overview of the Asbestos NESHAP](https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/overview-asbestos-national-emission-standards-hazardous-air-pollutants-neshap) 11. [US EPA: Learn About Asbestos, exposure](https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/learn-about-asbestos) 12. [US EPA: Learn About Asbestos, floors](https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/learn-about-asbestos) 13. [US EPA: Learn About Asbestos, ceilings and walls](https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/learn-about-asbestos) 14. [US EPA: Learn About Asbestos, pipes](https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/learn-about-asbestos) 15. [US EPA: Learn About Asbestos, roofing and siding](https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/learn-about-asbestos) 16. [US EPA: Overview of the Asbestos NESHAP, work practices](https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/overview-asbestos-national-emission-standards-hazardous-air-pollutants-neshap) 17. [Missouri DNR: PUB2157, waste from unregulated work](https://dnr.mo.gov/document-search/asbestos-requirements-demolition-renovation-projects-pub2157/pub2157) 18. [City of St. Louis: Air Pollution Control, reporting](https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/health/environmental-health/air-pollution/index.cfm) 19. [City of St. Louis: Air Pollution Control, City trigger sizes](https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/health/environmental-health/air-pollution/index.cfm) 20. [St. Louis County Air Pollution Control: Asbestos Program](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/public-health/environmental-services/air-pollution-control/asbestos/) Checked against the sources above on November 6, 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the linked page before you act. ## Request your custom environmental remediation estimate Contact us for a free environmental remediation or restoration estimate and a personalized solution to your problems. [Or call (314) 865-2662](tel:+1-314-865-2662)