How Hamilton is built
- Before 1961 34%
- 1961–1990 35%
- 1991–2000 10%
- 2001 or later 21%
Where asbestos shows up in Hamilton houses
Of Hamilton's 167,240 houses (single-detached, semi-detached, row houses and duplexes), 34% were built before 1961 and 69% 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 Ontario
In Ontario, O. Reg. 278/05 sets the rules for contractors working with asbestos. Owners must have materials checked before arranging renovation or demolition work, but that duty doesn't apply to an owner-occupied house or a building of four units or fewer, so testing your own home is your decision.
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 Hamilton
Asbestos and vermiculite testing in Hamilton: common questions
Do I need an asbestos test before renovating in Hamilton?
If the house was built before 1991 and the work will disturb insulation, flooring, plaster or duct wrap, test first. In Ontario, O. Reg. 278/05 sets the rules for contractors working with asbestos. Owners must have materials checked before arranging renovation or demolition work, but that duty doesn't apply to an owner-occupied house or a building of four units or fewer, so testing your own home is your decision.
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.