How Saskatoon is built
- Before 1961 19%
- 1961–1990 44%
- 1991–2000 7%
- 2001 or later 30%
Where asbestos shows up in Saskatoon houses
Of Saskatoon's 76,685 houses (single-detached, semi-detached, row houses and duplexes), 19% were built before 1961 and 63% 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 Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan requires a competent person to inventory asbestos-containing materials in workplace buildings, and contractors must notify Occupational Health and Safety at least 14 days before high-risk 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 Saskatoon
Asbestos and vermiculite testing in Saskatoon: common questions
Do I need an asbestos test before renovating in Saskatoon?
If the house was built before 1991 and the work will disturb insulation, flooring, plaster or duct wrap, test first. Saskatchewan requires a competent person to inventory asbestos-containing materials in workplace buildings, and contractors must notify Occupational Health and Safety at least 14 days before high-risk 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.