Steam heat was the standard in Somerville's triple-deckers and multi-family buildings built before 1950. The pipe insulation used in those systems — wrapped around steam mains, risers, and branch lines — was typically made with asbestos-containing materials. When these systems are upgraded, repaired, or replaced, that pipe wrap must be properly abated before the plumber or HVAC contractor can proceed.
Our licensed team has removed pipe wrap asbestos from Somerville buildings throughout the city. We know the building type, the pipe system configurations, and the access challenges that come with triple-decker basement mechanical rooms and multi-story riser chases. Every project includes proper containment, licensed removal, waste disposal, and post-abatement air clearance documentation.

Triple-decker boiler rooms often have the highest concentration of asbestos pipe wrap on a property. We abate the boiler jacket, steam main wrap, and all associated pipe insulation in the mechanical room before boiler replacement or HVAC upgrades begin.
Steam risers running through walls and floor penetrations in Somerville triple-deckers frequently have original asbestos pipe insulation. We access, contain, and remove pipe wrap from riser systems using proper fiber-control methods to protect adjacent occupied units.
We coordinate directly with plumbers and HVAC contractors to sequence the abatement and installation phases efficiently, so the pipe wrap is removed and documented before the next trade begins work in the same area.
Proudly serving Somerville, Cambridge, Everett, Chelsea, Lynn and Quincy for 9+ years.
From residential abatement in Somerville's triple-deckers to commercial projects in active renovation corridors, we handle every scope of licensed asbestos abatement and testing in this market. Each service is backed by full MassDEP compliance documentation and professional air clearance testing.

Somerville is our home base, but our licensed abatement team serves the surrounding Greater Boston communities where the same pre-war housing stock creates the same abatement needs — triple-deckers, older multi-families, and aging commercial buildings with asbestos-containing materials. We handle full MassDEP notification, abatement, and closeout documentation for property owners throughout our service area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Asbestos Removal can be complex, and we’re here to provide answers to common questions. Here are some frequently asked questions from our clients.
Somerville's pre-1920 triple-deckers commonly contain asbestos in floor tiles, pipe insulation, plaster, roofing materials, and asbestos cement siding. Pre-1978 homes may also have it in joint compound and textured coatings. A professional inspection before any renovation is the safest approach.
Massachusetts requires contractors to submit a 10-day notification to MassDEP before most abatement projects begin. This applies to renovation projects that disturb asbestos-containing materials above threshold quantities. We handle this notification process on behalf of our clients as part of every qualifying project.
Asbestos-containing materials in good condition that are not being disturbed generally do not release fibers. The risk increases significantly when materials are cut, drilled, broken, or renovated. If you're planning any renovation in a Somerville home built before 1980, testing before demolition is strongly recommended.
Most residential abatement projects in Somerville take one to three days depending on scope. A single-room floor tile removal might be completed in a day. A larger project involving pipe insulation across a triple-decker may take two to three days plus time for post-abatement air clearance testing.
Yes. Massachusetts law under 454 CMR 22.00 requires that asbestos abatement above certain thresholds be performed by a licensed contractor. All workers must hold a current DLS asbestos abatement license. Hiring an unlicensed contractor can result in regulatory violations and liability for the property owner.
After abatement is complete, an independent air clearance test confirms that fiber levels are below the safe threshold. We then deliver a full closeout documentation package including the disposal manifest and clearance report — required for MassDEP compliance and important for future property transactions.
Steam heat systems built before 1950 are the primary source — including the boiler jacket, steam mains, branch line wrap, and riser insulation. Hot water systems from the same era can also have asbestos on pipe connections and boiler fittings. We survey the full system before scoping removal.
Yes. The mechanical area must be clear of other trades during active abatement. We coordinate closely with plumbers and HVAC contractors to schedule abatement so it completes and clears air testing before the installation phase begins.
Encapsulation of undamaged pipe insulation in good condition may be acceptable when the system is remaining in place and not being disturbed. For systems being replaced or repaired, full removal is typically required before the new installation proceeds.
All asbestos waste is double-bagged in labeled six-mil poly bags and transported to a licensed Massachusetts asbestos disposal facility. We provide a signed waste disposal manifest as part of the project closeout documentation package delivered at completion.
Upgrading boiler or pipe systems in a Somerville triple-decker? Contact us before the plumber starts and we'll make sure the abatement phase runs on schedule.
We pride ourselves on delivering great results and experiences for each client. Hear directly from home and business owners who’ve trusted us with their Asbestos Removal needs.

We hired them for a full residential abatement on our triple-decker before a major kitchen renovation. They handled the MassDEP notification, managed the containment, and had the air clearance report in our hands within 48 hours of completion. Exactly what we needed.
Maria Torres

I called after a contractor found pipe wrap asbestos during a boiler replacement. The team was on-site within two days, explained the MassDEP process clearly, and had everything properly removed and documented before the plumber came back. Professional start to finish.
James Okafor

As a property manager overseeing six units in Somerville, compliance matters. They helped us navigate landlord obligations under Massachusetts law, handled the full abatement, and provided all the closeout documentation we needed for our records. Highly recommend.
Patricia Nguyen
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