How Charlottetown is built
- Before 1961 20%
- 1961–1990 46%
- 1991–2000 12%
- 2001 or later 22%
Where asbestos shows up in Charlottetown houses
Of Charlottetown's 10,405 houses (single-detached, semi-detached, row houses and duplexes), 20% were built before 1961 and 66% before 1991, according to the 2021 Census.
- Vermiculite attic insulation: loose, pebbly, grey-brown or silver-gold granules.
- Vinyl floor tiles and their adhesive, textured ceilings and some plaster.
- Duct wrap and pipe insulation on older heating systems.
The rules in Prince Edward Island
PEI requires a competent person to take samples, a CALA- or AIHA-accredited lab to analyze them, and a certified asbestos contractor for asbestos work.
Whatever the rules, don't sand, cut or remove suspect material yourself before it's tested.
Testing and labs
A trained assessor takes small samples, and an accredited lab analyzes them; plan on about $50–$150 per sample. Asbestos labs in Canada are typically accredited under NIST's NVLAP program.
Our asbestos and vermiculite guide · Attic inspections in Charlottetown
If it's positive: abatement and removal
Leave the material alone until a plan is in place. For vermiculite, Health Canada says not to use the attic for storage, to keep children out and to seal gaps around the attic hatch, light fixtures and outlets, and to hire professionals trained to handle asbestos if you plan to renovate.
In Prince Edward Island: All asbestos work must be done by a holder of an asbestos contractor's certificate, and workers who handle or remove asbestos need an asbestos abatement course.
Abatement is quoted separately from testing. Get two or three written quotes that describe containment, what will be removed and how the waste will be disposed of.
Asbestos and vermiculite testing in Charlottetown: common questions
Do I need an asbestos test before renovating in Charlottetown?
If the house was built before 1991 and the work will disturb insulation, flooring, plaster or duct wrap, test first. PEI requires a competent person to take samples, a CALA- or AIHA-accredited lab to analyze them, and a certified asbestos contractor for asbestos work.
How much does asbestos testing cost?
About $50–$150 per lab sample, plus the assessor's visit. Abatement, if needed, is quoted separately.
What should I do if I have vermiculite in the attic?
Leave it alone, keep the attic closed, and have it sampled before any attic work. Health Canada advises against disturbing it or removing it yourself.
Who removes asbestos in Prince Edward Island?
All asbestos work must be done by a holder of an asbestos contractor's certificate, and workers who handle or remove asbestos need an asbestos abatement course.