How St. John's is built
- Before 1961 22%
- 1961–1990 42%
- 1991–2000 11%
- 2001 or later 26%
Where asbestos shows up in St. John's houses
Of St. John's's 42,120 houses (single-detached, semi-detached, row houses and duplexes), 22% were built before 1961 and 64% 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 Newfoundland and Labrador
In Newfoundland and Labrador, only certified asbestos abatement contractors may remove asbestos, and removal needs written notice to the OHS Division and a disposal permit.
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 St. John's
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 Newfoundland and Labrador: Only certified asbestos abatement contractors may remove asbestos; the owner or contractor must notify the OHS Division in writing before starting and get a disposal permit.
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 St. John's: common questions
Do I need an asbestos test before renovating in St. John's?
If the house was built before 1991 and the work will disturb insulation, flooring, plaster or duct wrap, test first. In Newfoundland and Labrador, only certified asbestos abatement contractors may remove asbestos, and removal needs written notice to the OHS Division and a disposal permit.
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 Newfoundland and Labrador?
Only certified asbestos abatement contractors may remove asbestos; the owner or contractor must notify the OHS Division in writing before starting and get a disposal permit.