Before a single wall comes down, Colorado law has something to say about it. If you’re planning to tear down an older structure, asbestos and hazardous materials are likely part of the conversation whether you expect them to be or not. At Iron Mountain, we help property owners and general contractors understand these rules early, so there are no costly surprises mid-project.
What CDPHE Regulation 8 Requires
Colorado’s CDPHE Regulation 8 sets the rules for asbestos before any structure is demolished. The big one catches many first-time clients off guard: a building scheduled for demolition must be inspected for asbestos by a Colorado-certified asbestos building inspector. This isn’t optional, and it applies even when no asbestos is expected.
If asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are found above the regulatory trigger levels, they must be properly removed before demolition can begin. On top of that, a 10-working-day notification must be filed with CDPHE before demolition starts — even when the inspection turns up nothing. Skipping these steps can lead to steep fines and project shutdowns. Following CDPHE Regulation 8 demolition rules protects your wallet, your timeline, and everyone on site.
Common Asbestos Materials in Older Structures
Many buildings in Colorado Springs were built when asbestos was a standard construction material. During an asbestos inspection before demolition in Colorado, inspectors often look for it in vinyl floor tiles and the mastic beneath them, pipe and boiler insulation, and popcorn ceilings. It also hides in roofing felt, window glazing compound, and joint compound used on drywall seams. These materials are usually harmless when left alone, but demolition disturbs them and can release dangerous fibers into the air. That’s exactly why testing comes first.
Abatement vs. Demolition: Why Sequence Matters
There’s an important distinction here. Asbestos abatement — the safe removal and disposal of ACMs — is the job of a Colorado-licensed General Abatement Contractor. Demolition is our job. These are two separate, regulated activities, and the order can’t be reversed.
Abatement must always come before demolition. Tearing down a structure that still contains asbestos spreads contamination and breaks the law. We coordinate closely with licensed abatement partners so the handoff is smooth and your project stays compliant from start to finish.
Lead-Based Paint and the EPA RRP Rule
Asbestos isn’t the only concern in older buildings. Lead-based paint is common in structures built before 1978. Under the EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule, work that disturbs lead paint must be handled by certified professionals using lead-safe practices, and Colorado enforces parallel requirements. As an experienced hazardous materials demolition contractor in Colorado, we factor lead considerations into every plan.
Trained to Recognize the Risks
Our AHERA-certified operators are trained to identify ACM-containing materials on the job. If something looks suspect during the work, our crew knows to stop and address it the right way rather than push forward.
Plan Your Timeline Early
Inspections and any required abatement can add several weeks to a project. Building this time and cost into your budget early keeps your asbestos demolition Colorado Springs project on track. Reach out to Iron Mountain, and we’ll help you map it out from day one.
