June 1, 2011 Issue 26

P R E S E N T E D B Y T H E G O L F I T E A M

June 1, 2011 - Vol 28

FIND US ON:

Rob GolfiSales Representative

www.GolfiTeam.com905-575-7700 or 905-945-0188

Sharon StaffordSales

Representative

Heather ReidSales

Representative

Hans MarcelissenSales

Representative

Wendy Murray-Nicholson*Sales

Representative

Ashley SidlerSales

Representative

Dena ZlatarSales

Representative

Bonnie SpurrellSales

Representative

FIND US ON:

MarketWatch June A_MarketWatch_Transfer.qxd 31/05/11 3:52 PM

The GOLFI TEAM Real Estate Market Watch June 1, 2011

www.GolfiTeam.com

Since the inception ofhis career in 1997,Rob Golfi has

recognized that understandinghis clients’ needs is essential toproviding excellent service.

As business grew, Robassembled the Golfi Team in aneffort to maintain the samelevel of professionalism clientshave come to expect. Shortlythereafter in 2003, the teamreceived the prestigious honourof being among the top 100Real Estate Teams forRE/MAX Canada, and thisstatus continues to date.

Rob’s experience andaggressive negotiating skillshave earned him every majorhonour awarded by RE/MAX,including President’s Club,100% Club, Platinum Club,Chairman’s Club, Hall of Famein 2003, the Lifetime Achieve -ment Award in 2006, hisSRES® designation in 2009 andthe Diamond Club Award in2010. Having worked with

many of the industry’sprofessionals over the years, hehas the necessary edge to bestnegotiate the sale of your home.

Any agent can list yourhouse, but Rob’s knowledge,extensive marketingbackground and dedicationgives clients peace of mindwhen dealing with the singlemost important investment intheir lives. With years ofcombined experience, the GolfiTeam can provide your homewith a level of exposure thatmost agents cannot. Utilizing ateam approach also means thatthey will likely find a purchaserto buy your home sooner, ratherthan waiting for other agents toapproach you with potentialbuyers.

Ranked in the top 5 of nearly2,000 sales agents in theHamilton-Burlington and Niagaraareas, listing with Rob and theGolfi Team is the right choicewhen choosing someone torepresent your best interest. -Å

About Rob Golfi

The Solution

Fill in the grid above, so that each row of

9 squares, each column of nine and each

section of nine (three squares by three)

contains the numbers 1 through 9 in any

order. There is only one solution for the

puzzle and the numbers shown can NOT

be changed.

4 8

2 6 95

1 6 4 7

7 1 2 6

6

3 5 8 2

1 2 5 9

9 5 83

8 5

S U D O K US U D O K U

374156 928

268479 315

591623 847

749315 286

825964 731

136582 479

612837 594

957248 16

483791 652

3

Maximum ExposureSells Your HomeCall the Golfi Team to get

your Home Sold

905-945-0188www.golfiteam.comThe GOLFI TEAM is ranked in the Top 100 Re/Max Teams in Canada.

What is a Thermal ImagingInspection?

Unlike a conventional home inspec-tion which is visual, a thermal imaginginspection will uncover deficiencies thatare not visible to the naked eye. Using,non-invasive infra-red cameras, thermalimaging will provide invaluable informa-tion with issues such as water leaks inbasements, energy loss, electrical faultsand wood destroying infestations.Thermal imaging scanning with InfraredCamera diagnosing unseen water pene-trations in walls and ceilings, trace hotand cold water or air ducts and any Heatloss or Air leakage in the building enve-lope.

Most home inspectors do not use thistechnology for a standard home inspec-tion, most will argue that it is not a nec-essary tool. Thermal images show exact-ly where the problems are. In conjunc-tion with moisture meters deficienciescan me isolated and areas of concern canbe identified, allowing for a proper diag-nosis.

Mould Growth Conventional home inspectors will

usually tell you they have no knowledgein mould issues beyond what is apparenton the surface. If mould growth has start-ed behind paneling or tiles for example, itmay not be visibly noticeable on the sur-face and go undetected. A thermal imag-ing inspection will usually reveal theproblem to you.

Water Leaks Often conventional home inspectors

will find surface evidence of water leaksin basements or ceilings, and the goodwill of sellers is relied upon when askedif the problem has been fixed. Want toknow for sure? A thermal imaginginspection will reveal if the issue stillexists and where the source of the prob-lem exists, giving you the peace of mindthat only certainty can bring.

Energy Loss The efficient use of energy is high on

a home buyers mind these days. A ther-mal imaging inspection will show youwhere heat loss is occurring around win-dows, doors, ceilings and attics. The fol-lowing are some other areas where a ther-mal imaging inspection will detect prob-lems not easily seen by a surface inspec-tion: • Hidden electrical faults that are possi-

ble fire hazards & overloaded electri-cal circuits

• Missing insulation

• Hidden roof leaks & plumbing leaks

• Structural problems and defects

• Air conditioner compressor leaks

The selection process…While there is no formal licensing

for home inspectors, all reputable compa-nies must adhere to a rigid code of ethicsand standards of practice. Any qualifedinspection company will provide theirclients with an inspection binder and asample report on request. Home inspec-tors should never offer to make repairs toyour newly purchased home. Theseinspectors are more likely to find defectsthat are in need of repair. You shouldarrage to attend the home inspection andeither follow your inspector around (thismay add to the time it takes) or have theinspector do a walk around at the end ofthe inspection. An average inspectionshould take 2-3 hours to complete as thereport should reflect the condition ofaproximately 400 items. Remember todo your due deligence as you are likelymaking one of the biggest purchases ofyour life. If all goes well you can enjoyyour home sweet home for years tocome!George Mendes, C.H.I., C.M.I., Founder

& Certified Home & Mould Inspector,www.homesweethomeinspections.ca

[email protected]: 905.324.HSHI (4744)

MarketWatch June A_MarketWatch_Transfer.qxd 31/05/11 3:52 PM Page 2

Call Today 905-945-0188

June 1, 2011 The GOLFI TEAM Real Estate Market Watch

GRIMSBY $599,900

88 Lake StreetIncredible 2300 sqft home faces Nelles Beach &Lake Ontario. This updated home features a newmaple kitchen, granite, travertine tiles, hardwd &bamboo floors, updated bathrms w/designer tiles,family room with fireplace, shingles ‘05, neweaves & facia ’10, furnace & Central air ’07.

BEAMSVILLE $339,900

4846 Northgate CrescentThis 2007 home offers 2050 sqft of Beauty.Features 3 lrg BRs, 2.5 baths, computer loft, oakstaircase, Master bedrm w/double walk in closets,luxury ensuite w/soaker tub & separate shower,california shutters throughout, great room w/hrdwdfloors & gas fireplace, & quick access to QEW.

Rob Golfi*

Grimsby, Lincoln & West Lincoln Area

GRIMSBY $1,490,000

143 Lake StreetFabulous waterfront property! Custom built3000 sq ft home with Lake views every room.Maple hardwood floors, granite counters, mastersuite with access to back deck, ensuite and walk-in shower. Handicap adaptable!

GRIMSBY $449,900

29 Stone Gate DriveFirst Class! 2750 sq ft in executiveneighbourhood close to the lake. 4 bedroom hasloads of updates: carpets, shingles, ensuite withclaw tub & glass shower, hi-eff furnace andmore! Beautiful hardwoods & gorgeousfireplace.

BEAMSVILLE $339,900

4092 Mountain StreetWant quality, this house is for you! This one flrplan incl. $20,000 in extras, California knockdown ceilings, rounded corners, 120 sq.ft. ofhrdwd flrs, upgraded trim package, maple kit,asphalt drv & much more! Approx 1445 sq.ft.similar to be built.

GRIMSBY $219,900

24 Kenyon Cres., Unit 43BEAUTIFUL END UNIT! 2 bedroombungalow only 7yrs old. Hrdwd,ceramic flrs &backsplash in eat-in kitchen, laundry hook-up onmain level & professionally finished bsmt w/full2nd bthrm. Quiet sought after complex w/quickaccess to the QEW & new YMCA.

GRIMSBY $339,900

35 Victoria TerraceWaterfront with total privacy including pebblebeach. Lots of potential & character! Ideal forsomeone to renovate or tear down for new home.This home includes bright sunroom w/originaltall french doors, living room w/high ceilings &gas fireplace, & vacant lot ideal for an addition.

BEAMSVILLE $319,900

5123 Crimson King WayFantastic value in this 4 bedrm 2 storey homelocated in quiet neighbourhood, featuresspacious eat in kitchen with island, dinette withsliding doors leading to private deck and fenceyard. Sunken family rm, partially finishedbasement. Maintenance free front yard.

WESt LINCOLN $329,900

9407 Silver StreetAmazing updated home on 100 x 200ft lot, builtin 1953, has an open concept LR/DR w/hrdwdflrs, huge master suite, New high eff gasfurnance/CA, updated main bath, entry doors, &water conditioner. Bonus rm over the garage.

GRIMSBY $234,900

111 Willow LaneEND UNIT TOWNHOUSE! 2 BR Losani builttownhouse w/ceramics & upgraded carpet. Thishome offers great views of the escarpment & anopen concept floor plan. Garage has inside entryinto basement & basement has walk out tobackyard.

WESt LINCOLN $324,999

7574 Highway #202+1 bedroom fully reno’d & with modern kitchen,cherry wood cabinets, ceramic, cathedral ceilings,adjoined fam room. Thick carpeting in all principalrms & main bath w/whirlpool tub. Dbl side drv, finbsmt (’06) incl. rec rm, kitchen, bedrm & laundry,25 yr roof (’04), furnace (’03).

WaTerFrONT

GRIMSBY $749,900

2 Seventh StreetCustom built 5yrs new home, with 125 ft ofLedgerock shore protection and walkdown towaterfront. Beautiful kitchen with granitecounters and built-in stainless steel appliances,pine plank floors, 4 levels of decking, facing thelake. Fully finished basement. Truly a dream!

WaTerFrONT

WaTerFrONT

WaTerFrONT

GRIMSBY $789,900

177 Ridge Road 5.19 acres nestled onto the Niagara Escarpment,completely redone top to bottom, inside and out,slate & hardwd flring, new designer kitchen withstylish appliances, in flr heating in bathrm, 70 potlights, patterned concrete porch w/exteriorfireplace.

SMIthVILLE $349,900

22 Cherry Ave4+1 Bedroom 2008 home, 2.5 baths with anincredible floor plan & boasts pride ofownership, great room w/showcase fireplace &cathederal ceilings, large country kitchen withlots of cupboards & counter space, & a beautifulfamily neighbourhood. Well worth seeing!

GRIMSBY $269,900

446 Main Street WestFabulous ½ acre property backs onto greenspace. 4 bedrm home & 25x35' oversizedgarage/workshop, affordable enough to buildnew or renovate. This home offers new shingles& furnace ‘03, beautiful cast iron fireplace, lotsof parking space, and easy access to QEW.

BEAMSVILLE $329,900

4052 Hixon Street3+1 bedroom bungalow with oversized doublecar garage. Hardwood floors, cathedral ceilingsin living/dining room, large bright kitchenoverlooking landscaped backyard, beautifullyfinished basement with full bathroom, bedroom,den and rec-rm with gas fireplace.

GRIMSBY $242,900

41 Lorne Ave3+1 bedroom split level in terrific location!Walk to town, schools, parks, lake &conservation trails. Eat-in kitchen, spaciousliving room and plenty of updates includingmost windows & new furnace.

SMIthVILLE $249,900

30 Anderson CrescentQuiet location. Fantastic 1 storey home awaitsyou. Step inside to a 3 bed home with updatedceramic flooring, roof, lighting, kitchencountertop. Lower level is an entertainer’s dreamw/ games room and rec room. All appliances areincluded and quick closing available.

BEAMSVILLE $289,900

5065 Silverbirch LaneBeautiful 3+2 raised ranch! Open conceptkitchen, dining and living room. Kitchen withgranite counters, fully finished basement with in-law set up, large deck with a fully fenced yardand interlock patio. A Must see!

BEAMSVILLE $329,900

4052 Hixon Street3+1 bedrooms with oversized double car garage.Features hardwood floors, cathedral ceilings inliving/dining room, large bright kitchen withsliding doors overlooking gorgeous fencedbackyard, finished basement with full bathroom,bedroom, den and rec-rm with gas fireplace.


Call Today 905-575-7700


hAMILtON $249,000

204-908 Mohawk Road EastLocation, Location! Fantastic 2 BR corner unitcondo in upscale 36 unit building. Master bedw/ensuite & walk in closet. LR features gardendoors to balcony. Features incl in suite laundry,ceramics in foyer & kitchen.

hAMILtON MOUNtAIN $189,900

105 East 14th StreetAttractive well cared for 3 Bedroom 1.5 Storeyhome. Desirable central mountain, quiet street.Windows replaced. Bay Windows in the Familyroom, Eat In Kitchen, Partially FinishedBasement with Rec Room. Beautiful Fenced inRear Yard, Mature trees and garden shed.

StONEY CREEk $309,900

39 James AvenueCharming side split in fantastic condition,features beautiful hardwood floors, brightstylish renovated kitchen leading to large deck,classic wood fireplace in livingroom, 3 largesunny bedrooms, family room with showcasefireplace, finished rec room in basement.

hAMILtON $309,900

74 Huckleberry DriveWell maintained w/beautiful floor plan, featurfamily rm w/cathedral ceilings, hardwd flrs &wood fireplace, kitchen w/garberator, fin’d bsmtw/spare bdrm, some newer wndws & shingles(’03), fenced yrd w/deck & 8 x 10 shed. Plus anextra wide garage w/new driveway.

hAMILtON $209,900

100 Fieldway Drive3 Bdrm semi. Located near Limeridge mall.Features mostly vinyl windows & shingles 7 yrsnew, beautiful hardwood flrs throughout.Finished recrm in bsmnt. Beautifully landscapedprivate fenced in backyard close to schoolsbusses & all amenities

hAMILtON $189,900

107 Adeline AvenueCute all brick 2+1 BR bungalow in primeHamilton location. Features include openconcept LR and kit, laminate flrs, updatedwindows, shingled roof 5 yrs old, updated 4 pcbath, finished rec room & a new furnace.Parking for 4 cars & a fully fenced yard.

SOLD IN 26 DaYS

SOLD FOr 98% OF LIST IN 15 DaYS

SOLD FOr 99% OF LIST

Call The Golfi Team

Today to get your home

SOLD!

hAMILtON CENtRAL $99,999

80 Gage Street SouthHandyman special - being sold “As-Is”! Locatedseconds from Gage Park, large 2-1/2 storeyhome. Double front drive. Close to amenitiesand bus routes. Will sell fast - call today for aviewing. 2011 city assessment is $167,500.GREAT VALUE!

*#1 Brokerage in the Realtors Association of Hamilton Burlington MLS from 1994 to 2010 consecutively. **Year End Standings for 2010, based on residential commissions paid. Rankings are compiled from figures submitted by regional offices.

Facts About GOLFIOver 50 Million in Sales Annually**

1 Real Estate Office in Hamilton-Burlington Region*

Top Sales Representative in Ontario*

Golfi Team ranked Top 50 in Canada for **

Golfi Team ranked Top 100 in the world for **

#

O V E R 4 0 0 M I L L I O N I N R E A L E S T A T E S A L E S

2003 2006 201020031998

Call The Golfi Team

Today to get your home

SOLD!GRIMSBY $319,900

8 Marsdale Ave.Spectacular raised ranch with 3+2 bedrooms. $20,000 inlandscaping, patio & covered deck. Above ground saltwater pool. Updated funace & central air in 04, all newerwindows, pool liner, pump, bathrooms & flooring. Largekitchen, open concept living/dining room and large recroom with gas fireplace and office area.

GRIMSBY $219,9090

22 Pleasant GroveBeautifully kept 2 storey freehold town house with openconcept main floor, finished basement, newer flooring, 3bedrooms with lots of closet space and 2 bathrooms.New carpet and recently redone 2nd bathroom. Largedeck with 8 person hot tub and private back yard.shingles 2005, central air and central vacuum.


1217 Green Mountain Rd. E.2300 sqft 3 bedroom bungalow sitting on 2 acresof gardens, features gorgeous designer kitchenw/breakfast bar & granite counters, vaultedceilings in great room w/showcase fireplace,beautiful Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, spainspired ensuite.





SOLD IN 6 DaYS


SOLD IN 6 DaYS


Call Today 905-575-7700


Selling yourHome?

HomeEvaluations

No Cost or Obligation

Call Rob Golfi today

905-575-7700NOT INTENDED TO SOLICIT PROPERTIES

CURRENTLY LISTED FOR SALE.

Rob Golfi*

Hamilton Wentworth

EASt hAMILtON $159,900

119 Fairfield Avenue3+1 bdrm home w/a side drive, garage, &screened in back porch, includes hrdwd flrs,bright white kit, freshly painted, LR & a great flrplan. Dry basement, Weeping tiles installed 9 yrsago. Close to all amenities. Come see!

MOUNt hOpE $359,900

3258 Trinity ChurchMinutes to the city, loads of updates, featureslarge master bdrm, neutral décor, remodeledbathroom w/separate shower, soaker tub, &heated floor. 2 new bay windows, new frontporch, roof '07, new rear deck with hot tub, andfinished rec room.


40-2700 Barton Street EastNice & bright end unit townhouse in prime area.Fronts Bow Valley. 3 bedroom, 2 storey,w/formal livingroom, bay window, ceramicfloors in entrance, kitchen & bath., laminatedfloors in living & dining room & halls hardwd inbedrms. Close to amenities & schools.


24 Hildegard DriveBuilt on a quiet street w/open & inviting floorplan. Backs onto escarpment. Brazilian cherryhrdwd flrs, porcelain tiles, gas fireplace,oversized rooms, freshly painted, in-law set-upw/2nd kitchen & bath, mostly updated vinylwindows & doors, & upper level balcony.


85 Bow ValleyImmaculate 3 bedroom with fully finishedbasement. Spacious living room & dining room.Eat-in kitchen has been updated and boastsample counter space & cupboards. Updated vinylwindows, concrete drive & patio in fenced yard.


3 Ben Lomand PlaceFantastic opportunity for 1st time Buyer! 3 bedroom brick home close to HendersonHospital. Mostly new windows, recent laminateflooring, 2 yr old shingles, electric in garage andshed, 100 amps, updated plumbing & main bath,5 appliances.

hAMILtON CENtRAL $179,900

99 Lottridge StreetRecently updated family home near schools &Ivor Wynne Stadium. Updates Include: kitchen,both bathrooms, roof, furnace, a/c, eaves, recroom, 100 amp on breakers, windows, andceramics. Original hardwood with chestnut inlay.All appliances included!


94 Charlotte StreetCheaper than rent! This 1-1/2 storey starterhome features updated eat-in kitchen & bath,laminate and ceramics throughout with a 160ftdeep backyard, a fully fenced yard with abeautiful deck. Near Redhill & buses.


746 Limeridge Road EastAll brick 25 yr old 3 bedrm home located on aquiet street close to Limeridge mall, Linc &schools. Well maintained & updated: ensuite,walk-in closet, roof (may '11), most windows('10), bathrm ('11), & C/A ('04), beautiful baywindow & skylight ('04). Get inside!!!


42 Lilacside DriveCharming 3 level back split w/amazing space ina fantastic neighbourhood. Offers gorgeous &well maintained hardwood throughout, great sizeupdated kitchen & bathroom, bright and spaciousrec-room, private and fenced in yard, and acarport. Close to schools, shopping, bus routes& the Link.


22 Kenwood Crescent3+1 bedroom all brick bungalow located nearHuntington park area. Features include updatedkitchen, bath, laminates and ceramicsthroughout, newer windows & doors, furnace’10, eaves, sofit & facia ‘08, and a fully finishedbasement.


Call Today 905-575-7700


Rob Golfi*

Commercial Property

BEAMSVILLE $399,900

5532 King StreetZoned light industrial, consists of building plus4 Bedroom century home sitting on approx 3acres located on Regional Rd 81 on wine route,with good traffic. Property has 6000 sq.ft steelframe building on concrete slab with 2washrooms, 220 volts.

BEAMSVILLE $1,199,900

4485 King StreetOver 700 ft of frontage on Niagara's busiestwine route. 26.6 Prestigious acres on the lowerbench with over a 20ft fall from front to back ofproperty. Property consists of a large barn with 2cold storages, heated workshop and parkingarea. 3 residential detached homes on property.

BEAMSVILLE $235,000

4993 King StreetDowntown core storefront with large window,front and back entrances can suit 2 businesses or1 large one. Rear parking and municipal lot.New furnace, 2pc bath. 1800 sq ft of businessspace with GC zoning, plus 2 bedroomapartment on upper level.

NeW PrICe

BEAMSVILLE $259,900

4498 Ontario StreetIdeal for Home Business. Impressive 4bedroom, 4 level back split sitting on 60' x 150'lot. Features hardwood floors, updatedwindows, shingles ('06), furnace ('03), garagedoor & opener ('08), 2 fireplaces, walkout fromlower level, 20' x 22' garage.

SOLDSOLD

ANOTHERANOTHER

ONEONE

Rob Golfi*

Stoney Creek Area

StONEY CREEk MtN $449,900

17 Gumwood Place4+1 BR home on a mature Executive Crt. Closeto amenities. Hrdwd flrs, master BR w/ensuite &walk-in closet. Main flr ldry, eat-in kit, DR, LR,family rm w/gas FP. Finished basementw/games rm, bdrm, 3pc bth, & rec rm w/wet bar.


2-618 Barton StreetImmaculate home shows like a dream! Beautifuldecor, hrdwd & ceramics throughout, bright kitw/ceramic backsplash, in-law suite down stairsw/full bath & mini kit, master suite w/walk incloset & ensuite, updated windows & shingles.


1204-500 Green Road Waterfront luxury unit, 3 BR condo withincredible views of Lake Ontario, approx 1400sqft. 2 baths, insuite laundry, beautiful oakkitchen cabinets with ceramic floors, newfurnace 2002, new carpeting, fabulousamenities.


Windemere RoadThe property is private with a Muskoka feel!Park-like grounds with electricity run to thedecks edge. Substantial breakwall, multi-leveldecking and tremendous unobstructedwaterfront views. Every season a postcard,check it out today and start packing!


216 Gray RoadBeautifully maintained 3 bedroom home readyto move in. Features main flr laundry, main flrfamily rm, all vinyl windows, updated kitchenw/ceramics, refinished hrdwd floors, updatedcopper wiring, new shingles ‘03, lots of parking,close to schools & shopping.

WaTerFrONT


17 Loneoak Cres.Fabulous 2 storey 4+1 bedroom home in StoneyCreek! Large lot, backs onto parkland. Aboveground salt water pool, large eat-in kitchen,dining room, family room w/gas fireplace andseparate livingroom. Main floor laundry, doublegarage, & finished basement with 5th bedroom.


#6 171 Highbury Immaculate 2 storey 3 bedroom end unit, lowcondo fees, large master bdrm, walk-in closet,large eat-in kitchen w/ceramic floors, & privatedeck backing onto school yard. Fantasticlocation close to Rymal, Linc & Redhill & allamenities! Plenty of visitor parking across.

The Golfi Team has Maximum Internet Exposure to Get Your Home SOLD!

Call today! 905-575-7700

Scan this code to view more info on our listings!

Go to www.4qr.ca on your mobile phone to download your free scanner.

Text "GOLFI" to 123411 to view our listings on your mobile phone.


5 Riviera Ridge Lavish from top to bottom this 2 storey has it all,beautiful updated kitchen w/granite, gorgeoushardwood floors, updated bathroom w/customshower & heated floors, finished basementw/stone work, family room w/cathedral ceilings,& professionally landscaped w/undergroundsprinkler system.


14-800 Paramount DriveTrendy & Stylish 12 yrs old 3+1 bedroom endunit town home in prime location. Backs onto acomplex park this home features neutral colourceramics in foyer, kitchen and baths, bright andspacious living/dining room w/laminate floors,finished basement w/spare bedroom, and rec-room. Plenty of visitors parking in the front withquick access to Link & close to all shopping.


739 Ridge Rd.Extraordinary bungalow sitting on lrg lotw/incredible view of the city. Feats oak kitcabinets w/bay window, sunken liv rm w/fp, dinrm w/hrdwd flring leading to resort style backyrd w/panoramic view, beautiful landscaping &newer shingles (’05).


www.GolfiTeam.com


Rob Golfi, Sales Representative

Home evaluationNo Cost or Obligation

Call Rob Golfi today!

905-945-0188 / 905-575-7700

Thinking of buying or selling a home

built prior to 1990, then you need to

know that over 300 thousand older homes

in Canada, and over 35 million homes in

the USA were insulated with vermiculite

insulation from a mine naturally contam-

inated with asbestos fibers.

Addressing the Issue

In Canada, the Federal Government

may have contributed to the looming epi-

demic. During the energy crisis in the late

1970s and early 1980s, financial incen-

tives were offered by the government to

upgrade home insulation levels through

the Canadian Home Insulation Program,

or CHIP. Zonolite was on the list of insu-

lation products eligible for grants.

This is the same program under

which UFFI, or urea formaldehyde foam

insulation, was installed. When the gov-

ernment later found out UFFI was linked

to respiratory problems, it paid out $181

million to help Canadians get rid of it.

But UFFI isn't nearly as dangerous as

Zonolite.

Background

Photo courtesy of CMHC

Vermiculite is a mica-like mineral

mined around the world and used in a

variety of commercial and consumer

products because it is fire-resistant and

has good insulation qualities. Of concern

is vermiculite ore produced by the Libby

Mine in Montana from the 1920's to

1990. It was sold as Zonolite® Attic

Insulation and possibly other brands in

Canada during that time. Vermiculite

from the Libby Mine may contain amphi-

bole asbestos. The Libby Mine supplied

the majority of the world market in ver-

miculite-based insulation. The Zonolite

brand and the mine was acquired by the

W.R. Grace Company in 1963. Mining

operations at the Libby site stopped in

1990 in response to asbestos contamina-

tion. While in operation, the Libby mine

may have produced 80% of the world's

supply of vermiculite.

Photo courtesy of EPA

Products made from vermiculite ore

produced by the Libby Mine were not

widely used after the mid-1980's and

have not been on the market in Canada

since 1990. Not all vermiculite produced

before 1990 contains amphibole asbestos

fibres. However, to be safe and in the

absence of evidence to the contrary, it is

reasonable to assume that if your building

has older vermiculite-based insulation, it

may contain some amphibole asbestos.

Pat Martin is an NDP Member of

Parliament and he's on a mission to get

the government to pay for the testing and

removal of Zonolite. "I'd strip naked and

bark like a dog if I thought that's what it

took to get attention to this issue," he

says.

Martin says the Federal Government

owes it to Canadians to test and remove

Zonolite because of the active role the

government took in encouraging its use.

"Hundreds of thousands of Canadian

homeowners are sitting on a ticking time

bomb in terms of their family's health,"

he says. "Zonolite contamination is a

national disaster on a greater scale than

any flood, or hurricane. I think the

Federal Government is reeling with

shock at the full implication of the scope

and breadth of this problem."

In Canada, there's an alert on the

Health Canada Web site. It says Zonolite

insulation could be linked to cancer, but

advises it's fine to leave it in your home

as long as you don't touch it or disturb it.

But the Department of National

Defence considers Zonolite a significant

enough threat that they've sealed off the

attics in military homes across the coun-

try. And it will pay millions of dollars to

test homes for Zonolite and eventually

have it removed.

W-FIVE asked Minister of Labour

and Housing, Joe Fontana, why his

department is not giving people money to

help Canadians test for Zonolite and get it

removed from their homes. Fontana

responded:

"You are now asking me to have a

national program with regards to replace-

ment of insulation and it's premature to

suggest that we need to do that," he says.

Why is the government reluctant to

address this problem? W-FIVE specu-

lates: If you do the math, with more than

three hundred thousand homes to test and

clean up, at a cost of at least $10,000 per

home, Ottawa would be on the hook for

more than three billion dollars.

A class action lawsuit was filed

against W.R. Grace & Co., and the case is

ongoing. The problem is you needed to

file your claim for Personal Injury or

Property Damage, by December 31,

2009. Most Canadians are unaware of

their homes even have this insulation.

What if I have Zonolite insulation

installed in my house?

Stay away from it — if it's left

untouched in the attic, there should be

minimal or no risk at all, according to

Health Canada. The asbestos fibres must

be airborne to be inhaled. Each time you

breathe asbestos fibres into your lungs,

you increase the chance of developing

health problems.

The fibres can become trapped in the

lungs and can cause lung cancer and

mesothelioma, a cancer of the lungs' lin-

ing or the abdominal cavity.

According to the U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency, there are cases of

individuals who got asbestosis — a

chronic breathing disorder in which the

lungs become scarred with fibrous tissue

— from four or five significant contacts

with the insulation material.

Tradespeople face a higher risk.

What if I'm renovating?

If you suspect you have vermiculate

insulation, you should hire an asbestos

removal professional before proceeding.

Health Canada also suggests sealing

cracks and holes in the window frames,

door frames and walls. If you suspect

Zonolite was installed in your attic, seal

up any cracks in the ceilings of the rooms

below.

My home insulation looks like vermic-

ulite. How do I know whether it's

Zonolite from Libby?

It's impossible to tell just by looking

at it. Often, empty Zonolite kraft paper

bags were left in the attic. If the bags

show that ore was processed by W.R.

Grace Canada, Grant Industries or F.

Hyde and Co., the product is probably

from Libby. If you know you have ver-

miculite insulation in your attic or walls

and you're concerned about it, it probably

makes sense to test the material to see

whether it contains asbestos.

Can I test the material myself?

If you want to have a sample ana-

lyzed, it is suggested that you hire a

trained consultant or contractor to collect

the sample and get it analyzed at a labo-

ratory. There are numerous consulting

companies that perform this kind of

asbestos analysis work.

According to Bruce Stewart from

Pinchin Environmental in Mississauga,

Ont., several samples should be taken

since asbestos concentration may vary

from one vermiculite piece to another.

Also, specialized consultants should

be looking for traces of asbestos, even

below 0.1 per cent on a weight-to-weight

basis. Normally a concentration of less

than 0.1 per cent is considered safe. But

vermiculite is extremely friable — easily

crumbled — and can release a very high

number of asbestos fibres in the air when

disturbed even if the concentration of

asbestos is considered very low.

If there is asbestos in the insulation,

should I have it removed?

Before taking that step, homeowners

should consider a number of factors.

First, removing asbestos-containing

materials is typically very expensive. If a

significant amount of material is

involved, it will probably cost thousands

of dollars.

Secondly, due to the physical charac-

teristics of vermiculite, the risk of the

material getting into the air is low. If the

insulation is not exposed to the home

environment — for example, it's sealed

behind wallboards and floorboards or is

isolated in an attic that is vented outside

— the best advice would be to leave it

alone.

But if you have a house that needs to

be renovated or you use the attic, you

expose yourself every time you go up

there and risk spreading it to the rest of

your house. In those circumstances you

are better off removing it, says the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency. To

avoid conflict of interest, have the insula-

tion tested by one firm and removed by

another. Carefully check the credentials

of those you hire.

Article Submitted by

Ken Boulter Grimsby, Ontario

BEWARE… and Be Aware


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June 1, 2011 Issue 26

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