Asbestos removal in St. Louis starts with an inspection, not a crew: on regulated projects a certified inspector must inspect first (Missouri DNR, PUB2349). HomeAdvisor's national cost guide puts a typical removal job at $1,217 to $3,301, with an average of $2,259. That is a national figure, not a St. Louis quote, and no St. Louis company publishes a price we could source. Bob Vila's guide says a job takes a day or two, and larger ones up to a week (updated 2023-12-21). On a regulated project, Missouri requires advance notice, so work cannot begin the day you send the form or call.
To get a quote, send the quote form on this page or call. We call you back within one business day, and St Louis Asbestos Removal gives you a quote. You pay St Louis Asbestos Removal nothing for the call or the request.
Send the quote form on this page, or call (314) 237-4592 and leave a message. We call you back within one business day.
Asbestos removal services: what the work covers
Asbestos removal is a group of jobs, and asbestos abatement services cover more than removal. Here is the list.
- Testing and inspection. A certified inspector samples suspect material and a lab reports what is in it.
- An asbestos survey before renovation or demolition covers every part of the building the work will touch.
- Abatement. St. Louis County's rules count work to encapsulate, enclose or remove 10 square feet or 16 linear feet or more of friable material as an abatement project.
- Popcorn and textured ceilings. Sprayed or textured ceiling coatings.
- Floor tile and black mastic. See asbestos floor tile removal.
- Pipe and duct insulation. See asbestos pipe insulation removal.
- Vermiculite attic insulation. Loose, pebble-like fill.
- Siding and roofing. See asbestos siding removal.
- Commercial projects. Offices, shops, warehouses and any building not used as a home.
Ask each company which of these jobs it handles.
When to ask for a quote, and when to leave it alone
EPA says, "Usually the best thing is to leave asbestos-containing material alone if it is in good condition." It also says exposure may occur only when the material is disturbed or damaged. Send the quote form or call when one of these is true:
- A renovation is planned. Federal rules define renovation as altering a building or part of it "in any way." Test before the tools come out.
- A demolition is planned. For a regulated structure, Missouri requires a demolition notice even if no asbestos is found.
- The material is damaged. Missouri DNR says not to disturb suspect damaged material until it is known whether it contains asbestos, and to keep debris wet.
- You are buying or selling an older home and a report flags suspect material.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says houses built between 1930 and 1950 may have asbestos as insulation, and that many building products held asbestos until the 1970s.
Removal, encapsulation or enclosure: which fits
Removal takes the material out. Asbestos encapsulation seals it in place with a coating. Enclosure builds an airtight barrier around it (definitions from the federal school-building rule, 40 CFR 763.83, used here only to explain the words).
| Choice | What happens | National price signal |
|---|---|---|
| Leave it | Material stays, untouched and in good condition | No removal cost; testing is separate |
| Encapsulate | A coating goes over the material | $2 to $6 per sq ft (HomeAdvisor removal guide, national figure) |
| Enclose | A permanent airtight barrier goes around it | No sourced price |
| Remove | Material leaves as sealed, labeled waste | $5 to $20 per sq ft, interior (HomeAdvisor, national figure) |
Sealing usually costs less, but the asbestos stays and a later remodel has to deal with it. Ask the inspector which choice fits, then ask each company to price the same one.
Where asbestos hides in St. Louis-area homes
The sources we read do not say how many St. Louis homes contain asbestos, so this page makes no such claim. They name the materials below, with limits. National prices for each material are in the cost table further down.
Popcorn ceilings
CPSC says asbestos may be present in textured paint and in patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints, and in material sprayed on ceilings for soundproofing or decoration. Ask whether the cost of popcorn ceiling abatement covers only the removal or also a new finish.
Floor tile and black mastic
CPSC says asbestos is found in some vinyl floor tiles, in the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and in adhesives. For workers, OSHA's standard assumes resilient flooring, including its mastic and backing, contains asbestos unless an industrial hygienist finds otherwise. So the mastic is its own question: ask for tile and glue to be sampled separately, and ask whether the quote covers asbestos mastic removal or full mastic remediation. The floor tile page has the decision table and quote lines for tile removal cost.
Pipe wrap, furnaces and duct work removal cost
EPA lists hot water and steam pipes coated with asbestos material or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape. CPSC says oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets may have asbestos insulation. If a quote includes asbestos duct wrap removal, ask for it as its own line, since the HomeAdvisor guide prices duct work separately. The pipe insulation page explains glove bags and how a short run of wrap can still reach county rules.
Vermiculite attic insulation
EPA says vermiculite insulation is typically a pour-in, pebble-like material. EPA's advice: assume it contains asbestos, do not disturb it, and do not remove it yourself. Hire a professional asbestos contractor for work that would disturb it. The cost guide has no vermiculite line, so ask each company how it prices vermiculite removal. Its attic insulation line is only a rough guide for vermiculite insulation remediation, not a quote.
Siding, shingles and roofing
CPSC says some roofing and siding shingles are made of asbestos cement. Ask for a lab result before any quote. For asbestos roof removal, ask whether the quote covers the shingles as well, and ask how the siding removal cost changes if they are included. The siding page compares leave, cover, seal and remove. Ask any company to say whether its asbestos siding and shingle abatement price includes disposal.
Test first: why a lab result comes before a removal quote
A lab result should come before a removal quote. Even where the rules do not require it, ask each company to quote from the same lab result. EPA says a trained and accredited asbestos professional should take samples, and that taking them yourself is not recommended. Missouri DNR says a person certified as an asbestos inspector must conduct inspections on regulated projects, and the report names suspect materials, amount, location, category and condition, with lab results. That report goes to every company that quotes, so the quotes cover the same scope. Ask which materials were sampled, whether every layer is listed, and whether the price is a full asbestos inspection or only lab fees.
National figures from HomeAdvisor's testing guide: an inspection with sampling, lab and report runs $231 to $776, with an average of $483. Asbestos air testing costs $200 to $800 per test. Its removal guide puts testing before removal at $250 to $850 per project. Mail-in lab analysis is about $30 to $75 per sample (InspectandTest, updated 2026-10-06). None of these is a St. Louis price.
EPA also says it is better to use two different firms, one to assess and one to remove, "so there is no conflict of interest."
Step by step
How a job works step by step and how long it takes
- Inspection and lab results. The scope is set from the report.
- Written plan and quote. It names the material, the area and the disposal.
- Notice, where it applies. The owner and any contractors involved must make sure required notices go in (PUB2157).
- Containment and negative air. Where a negative pressure enclosure is used, OSHA requires at least 4 air changes per hour, exhausted through a HEPA filter.
- Wet removal. Federal rules say regulated material stripped in place must be adequately wet and stay wet until contained.
- Bagging and labeling. Waste is sealed in leak-tight containers while wet, labeled, and for off-site transport the label names the waste generator and location.
- HEPA cleaning. OSHA bars dry sweeping of debris that holds asbestos.
- Post-removal air monitoring and clearance. The federal school-building rule uses a visual inspection plus aggressive air sampling. Ask who samples and what result counts as passing.
- Legal disposal documentation. EPA says waste goes to a landfill qualified to receive asbestos. Missouri says a permitted facility that will accept it, never burned.
- Written closeout with the lab report, notices, air results and disposal record.
How long does asbestos removal take?
We found no duration for a home job in the Missouri or federal pages. Bob Vila's general guide says a typical job takes a team a day or two and larger jobs up to a week. Around the work sit the lab report, the advance notice where it applies (about two weeks on the calendar) and the clearance result. Ask for a start date, work days and re-entry date in writing. We found no rule on whether you must leave the house, so ask the company in writing.
Local rules
Who does what, and who may do the work in Missouri
Missouri's pages speak of registration for firms and certification for people, not a "license" for asbestos work. So when a buyer asks for a licensed asbestos removal or certified asbestos removal company, check two things.
- The firm is registered. PUB2157 says abatement must be done by a "Missouri registered asbestos abatement contractor."
- The workers are certified. That contractor "may only employ workers trained and subsequently, certified by the department." DNR also certifies inspectors, supervisors and air sampling professionals.
DNR's public contractor list shows each firm's registration number, expiration date and status, and companion lists cover inspectors, supervisors, workers and air sampling professionals. Ask for the number, find it, and check the supervisor and inspector too. For professional asbestos removal on a regulated project, PUB2157 requires a registered contractor with certified workers.
Independent air testing: DNR certifies air sampling professionals. On St. Louis County indoor projects of 160 square feet or 260 linear feet or more, a third-party air sampling professional does the final clearance monitoring.
Do I need a licensed asbestos contractor?
For a regulated project, yes: a registered contractor with certified workers. DNR says the rules apply to commercial structures and some residential ones, and that most single-family residences are exempt. PUB2157 states the exception exactly: a single residential structure with four or fewer dwelling units. Two or more residential structures, two or more mobile homes and any structure used for non-residential purposes are not exempt. An exemption does not make the material harmless. DNR notes that asbestos in exempt homes can still be dangerous, and EPA advises that removal and major repair be done by trained, qualified people.
Asbestos abatement and removal experts: what to look for
You will see ads that call a company an expert. Look for things you can check: a registration number on DNR's list, named certified workers, a written scope and a clearance plan. The checks apply to whichever contractor quotes your job.
Local rules
Missouri rules in brief: state, county and city
These points come from federal pages, Missouri DNR and St. Louis County. They are not legal advice and may not fit your address. PUB2157 says local agencies may add requirements, so contact the local city or county program for your address before work.
- Federal. The owner or operator must thoroughly inspect the building before a demolition or renovation. Full requirements apply at or above 260 linear feet on pipes, 160 square feet on other parts or 35 cubic feet off building parts. Buildings with four or fewer dwelling units are outside the federal definition of a facility.
- Missouri. A certified inspector inspects regulated structures. Missouri uses the same three amounts, and at or above them all regulated material must be removed. Notice is due at least 10 working days ahead, with the inspection report and lab results. The single-family exemption and its limits are under the licensed-contractor question above. A review fee is required for each notice, but the pages we read give no amount. DNR lists forms MO 780-1226 (abatement) and MO 780-1923 (demolition and renovation).
St. Louis County
The county's Air Pollution Control Program issues permits, inspects removal sites and investigates reports of illegal removal. PUB2157 also tells owners to contact the local agency before work, because added requirements may apply. The county's pages say:
- A smaller trigger. An abatement project is work to encapsulate, enclose or remove 10 square feet or 16 linear feet or more of friable material. Friable means it can be crumbled by hand. Federal definitions list resilient floor covering as nonfriable unless it becomes friable. Ask the county office how your job is classified.
- Notice. Written notice before the project, plus a notice when it ends, and a nonrefundable notification fee.
- Fees (in force since January 1, 2026). An abatement permit is $120 under 160 square feet, 260 linear feet or 35 cubic feet, and $240 at or above. An inspection is $230, with a limit of two billable inspections.
- Registration and certification. Whoever runs the project must be registered with Missouri DNR, and no one may work or inspect in the county unless currently certified. Crews show proof on site, with the latest air results.
The county defines "building" to exclude single-family, owner-occupied dwellings. That differs from the state's four-or-fewer-units exception, so ask the county office how your job is treated. Its asbestos program page lists forms, fees and how to reach the office.
City of St. Louis
PUB2157 names the City of St. Louis Division of Air Pollution Control (Air Quality Program) as the local agency inside the city. We have not been able to read the City's own asbestos rules, so this page states none. If your building is in the city, ask that agency what applies before work starts.
Check the current rule with the official source: stlouiscountymo.gov
Residential asbestos removal and commercial asbestos removal
For a whole house, ask the inspector to list every material tested, and make each company quote the same list.
Residential and commercial asbestos removal differ in more than size. Missouri says non-residential structures are not exempt, so on a regulated project in an office, shop or warehouse, PUB2157 requires a certified inspector, notice and a registered contractor with certified workers. The sources we read have no commercial price, so this page gives none.
Cost
How much does asbestos removal cost? A sourced table by material and what drives it
All figures are national, not St. Louis prices. The HomeAdvisor figures are as recorded in the niche blueprint (HomeAdvisor guides of 2026-06-17 and 2026-06-20), so treat them as a rough guide.
| Item | National figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| One typical removal job (average $2,259) | $1,217 to $3,301 per job | HomeAdvisor, national figure |
| Interior asbestos removal cost per square foot | $5 to $20 per sq ft | HomeAdvisor, national figure |
| Popcorn ceiling | $9 to $20 per sq ft | HomeAdvisor, national figure |
| Floor tile; pipe insulation | $5 to $15 per sq ft each | HomeAdvisor, national figure |
| Duct work | $35 to $55 per sq ft | HomeAdvisor, national figure |
| Attic insulation | $11 to $25 per sq ft | HomeAdvisor, national figure |
| Exterior siding | $3 to $15 per sq ft, or $708 to $5,696 per whole job | HomeAdvisor, national figure |
| Interior removal, 100 sq ft | $1,350 to $2,600 per job | HomeAdvisor, national figure |
| Site preparation and containment | $1,000 to $4,000 per job | HomeAdvisor, national figure |
| Disposal | $10 to $50 per cubic yard, plus $50 to $100 disposal permit per job | HomeAdvisor, national figure |
| Project minimum many tile contractors charge | $1,000 to $2,000 or more | InspectandTest, updated 2026-10-06 |
The 100 sq ft line works out to $13.50 to $26 per square foot, above the per-foot range at the top end.
What moves the price
- Material and amount. The per-foot figures above differ widely.
- Containment and access. Containment is its own $1,000 to $4,000 line. Bob Vila says harder-to-reach sites may cost more.
- Testing and air monitoring. Ask whether testing before and clearance after are in the price, and who takes them.
- Notice, review and county fees on regulated jobs.
- Disposal and finish work. Replacing flooring is an extra cost beyond removal. Bob Vila (updated 2023-12-21) puts tile replacement at $800 to $4,500.
Asbestos removal estimate: what a free quote should include
Ask for an asbestos removal estimate in writing, after the test results are in. A free asbestos removal quote is fine if it names the scope. Ask whether a free onsite inspection includes sampling and the lab report, or whether lab fees are billed on top. A flat fee can be fair when the written scope lists area, material and exclusions. For asbestos abatement cost in St. Louis County, ask for the county permit fee as its own line.
Checklist
Choosing a contractor: questions to ask and how to compare quotes
There is no single best asbestos abatement company for every job, and this page ranks none. Questions to ask any asbestos removal contractor you talk to:
- Ask any licensed asbestos abatement contractor to show its Missouri DNR registration number, then check it on the public list.
- Ask who the certified supervisor and workers will be.
- Ask for the lab result, or who will test and when.
- Get a written scope that names the material, area and disposal, and the same scope from at least two companies.
- Ask whether the quote covers abatement of the whole scope or removal of one material.
- Ask who files any notice, who pays any fee, and who takes the clearance air samples.
- Ask where the waste goes, and get the disposal paperwork afterward.
- Hire a separate tester: EPA says it is better to use two different firms for assessment and for removal.
Red flags and ad wording
- "EPA-certified." EPA says state agencies have the most up-to-date listings of accredited professionals in your area. Ask for the Missouri registration number.
- "Full insurance." Ask for a certificate of insurance and read what it covers. This page does not say any company is insured.
- "OSHA-compliant containment." Ask the company to describe its containment and compare it with the OSHA figure in the job steps above.
- "24/7 emergency response." No source we read sets this as a standard. Ask for a response time in writing.
- "Free asbestos remediation estimates." Ask what is included and whether the visit is billed if you do not hire.
- Plans to sand, power-strip or sweep dry. OSHA bars dry sweeping, and EPA and CPSC advise against sanding flooring.
Comparison
Emergency or damaged material: what to do now
Missouri DNR says not to disturb suspect damaged material further until it is known whether it contains asbestos, to keep debris wet, and to use a certified inspector or assume it does. Tell every trade on site about old material before they arrive. If the building is in St. Louis County, an emergency does not skip the county. St. Louis County says to notify it by phone within 24 hours of the start and get approval of emergency status. Ask any emergency service who will make that call.
Paperwork to keep after the job
Keep the inspection report, the notices and fee receipts, the clearance air results, the written scope and the final invoice. For asbestos disposal, the federal waste rule has the generator keep a waste shipment record naming the disposal site, quantity, transport date and transporter. DNR's landfill list does not say which sites accept asbestos, so ask the company to name its facility.
Areas we serve
- St. Louis
- Florissant
- University City
- Kirkwood
- Maryland Heights
- Belleville
- O'Fallon
- Granite City
- Edwardsville
We take quote forms and calls about asbestos removal in St Louis, MO, Florissant, University City, Kirkwood and Maryland Heights. The contractor who quotes your job confirms whether it works in your town. To find asbestos removal near you, start with DNR's contractor list, send the quote form on this page, or contact St Louis Asbestos Removal.
Guides
Browse all services, the areas we serve and common questions.
Comparison
Which materials in older homes may contain asbestos?
Pick the material you see to read what the EPA says about it.
- Loose, pour-in attic insulation (gray-brown or silver-gold pebbles)
- The EPA describes vermiculite insulation as a pebble-like, pour-in product that is usually gray-brown or silver-gold. Its advice: assume it contains asbestos and do not disturb it. Do not try to remove it yourself; use a trained professional if it needs to be removed. (U.S. EPA)
- Vinyl floor tiles, sheet flooring backing or flooring glue
- The EPA lists vinyl floor tiles, the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives among the household products that may contain asbestos. You generally cannot tell by looking. A lab test is the only way to be sure, and undamaged material is best left alone. (U.S. EPA) Read more
- Textured or popcorn-style ceiling or wall finish, or patching compound
- The EPA lists textured paint and patching compounds used on walls and ceilings among the products that may contain asbestos. It does not name popcorn ceilings on that page. You cannot tell by looking; only a lab test can confirm it. The EPA says not to saw, sand, scrape or drill materials that may contain asbestos. (U.S. EPA) Read more
- Pipes wrapped in insulation, tape or a blanket (hot water or steam)
- The EPA says hot water and steam pipes coated with asbestos material or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape may contain asbestos. You cannot tell by looking. If the wrap is damaged or will be disturbed, have a trained, accredited professional sample it. (U.S. EPA) Read more
- Roofing or siding shingles on an older house
- The EPA lists roofing and siding shingles among the products that may contain asbestos. Only a qualified laboratory can confirm it. Leave undamaged material alone, and have a professional sample it before any renovation that would disturb it. (U.S. EPA) Read more
- Old oil or coal furnace, or furnace door gaskets
- The EPA lists oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets with asbestos insulation among the possible sources. You cannot tell by looking. Have a trained, accredited professional take a sample before any work that would disturb it. (U.S. EPA) Read more
- Something else, or the material is damaged (fraying, crumbling)
- The EPA says the only way to be sure is to have the material tested by a qualified laboratory, and it recommends testing suspect material if it is damaged (fraying, crumbling) or if a renovation would disturb it. Samples should be taken by a properly trained and accredited asbestos professional. (U.S. EPA) Read more
This is not a test. The EPA says you generally cannot tell by looking whether a material contains asbestos; only a qualified laboratory can confirm it, and a trained, accredited professional should take the samples.
FAQ: asbestos removal questions
How much does asbestos removal cost in St. Louis?
No St. Louis price is stored for this page. Nationally, a typical job is $1,217 to $3,301 (HomeAdvisor, national figure). Get itemized quotes after the lab result is in.
Can I remove asbestos myself if I own and live in the house?
EPA advises trained, qualified people for removal and major repair. The state exempts most single-family homes and the county's "building" excludes owner-occupied single-family dwellings, but the pages we read do not address owners doing the work. Ask the county office, or the City agency in the city, first.
How do I check a contractor's registration?
Look the firm up on DNR's public contractor list (the list can be downloaded as a CSV). Match the registration number on the quote to the list, and check that the status is current and the expiration date has not passed.
Does St. Louis County regulate my owner-occupied house?
Maybe not: the county's definition of "building" leaves out owner-occupied single-family dwellings. Call the county's Air Pollution Control Program to confirm before you sign anything.
Who files the notice?
DNR says the owner and any contractors involved must ensure notices are provided. Put in the written scope who files it and who pays the fee.
What does the City of St. Louis ask of me?
PUB2157 points to the City's Air Pollution Control agency. Ask it what applies, and give its answer to each company that quotes.
Can I leave asbestos where it is?
Often, yes. For flooring, EPA names a third path: where possible, install new floor covering over the old floor, and do not sand or level it. Test before any renovation that would disturb it.
Will I have to leave the house?
We found no source on this. Make the re-entry date part of the written scope.
How do I get an asbestos removal quote, and what does it cost me?
Send the quote form on this page or call. We call you back within one business day, and St Louis Asbestos Removal writes the quote. You pay St Louis Asbestos Removal nothing for the call or the request. Give each company the same lab result so the quotes match.
How to get a quote
Read the guide for your material first: floor tile, pipe insulation or siding. Then send the quote form on this page or call, with your lab result ready if you have one.
Send the quote form on this page, or call (314) 237-4592 and leave a message. We call you back within one business day.
Sources
- EPA, Protect Your Family from Exposures to Asbestos (retrieved 2026-10-18)
- EPA, Learn about asbestos (retrieved 2026-10-23)
- EPA, Asbestos-Contaminated Vermiculite Insulation (retrieved 2026-10-23)
- EPA, Asbestos laws and regulations (retrieved 2026-10-23)
- EPA, Asbestos NESHAP (retrieved 2026-10-18)
- CPSC, Asbestos in the Home (retrieved 2026-10-23)
- Missouri DNR, PUB2157 (dated 2024-05-07; retrieved 2026-10-18)
- Missouri DNR, PUB2121 (dated 2024-05-07; retrieved 2026-10-18)
- Missouri DNR, PUB2349 (dated 2024-05-07; retrieved 2026-10-18)
- Missouri DNR, Asbestos program (retrieved 2026-10-18)
- Missouri DNR, Asbestos occupation certification (retrieved 2026-10-18)
- Missouri DNR, Asbestos contractor list (retrieved 2026-10-18)
- Missouri DNR, Operating solid waste landfills (retrieved 2026-10-18)
- 40 CFR 61.141, 61.145 and 61.150 via Cornell LII (retrieved 2026-10-23)
- 40 CFR 763.83 and 763.90, school-building rule, via Cornell LII (retrieved 2026-10-23)
- 29 CFR 1926.1101, OSHA via Cornell LII (retrieved 2026-10-23)
- St. Louis County, Asbestos program (retrieved 2026-10-24)
- St. Louis County, Asbestos Abatement Rules and Regulations (retrieved 2026-10-24)
- HomeAdvisor, asbestos removal cost (guide of 2026-06-17, as recorded in the niche blueprint; national figure)
- HomeAdvisor, asbestos siding cost (guide of 2026-06-20, as recorded in the niche blueprint; national figure)
- HomeAdvisor, asbestos testing cost (guide of 2026-06-17, as recorded in the niche blueprint; national figure)
- InspectandTest, asbestos tile removal cost (updated 2026-10-06; retrieved 2026-10-23)
- Bob Vila, Asbestos Removal Cost (updated 2023-12-21; retrieved 2026-10-24)