How Terrebonne is built
- Before 1961 5%
- 1961–1990 45%
- 1991–2000 16%
- 2001 or later 34%
Where asbestos shows up in Terrebonne houses
Of Terrebonne's 34,470 houses (single-detached, semi-detached, row houses and duplexes), 5% were built before 1961 and 50% 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 Quebec
In Quebec, CNESST rules require contractors to check for asbestos before any work that could release dust, and the province tells homeowners to have suspect materials checked by a qualified contractor or an IRSST-recognized lab and never to do asbestos work themselves. Quebec treats material as asbestos-containing from 0.1% asbestos, a stricter line than most provinces.
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 or recognized by the IRSST in Quebec.
Our asbestos and vermiculite guide · Attic inspections in Terrebonne
Asbestos and vermiculite testing in Terrebonne: common questions
Do I need an asbestos test before renovating in Terrebonne?
If the house was built before 1991 and the work will disturb insulation, flooring, plaster or duct wrap, test first. In Quebec, CNESST rules require contractors to check for asbestos before any work that could release dust, and the province tells homeowners to have suspect materials checked by a qualified contractor or an IRSST-recognized lab and never to do asbestos work themselves. Quebec treats material as asbestos-containing from 0.1% asbestos, a stricter line than most provinces.
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.