How much does it cost to remove a popcorn ceiling with asbestos?

Author: Emanuel Prohaska  |  Last update: Saturday, May 2, 2026

Popcorn Ceiling Removal Costs (Hire A Pro) No question, the intense amount of labor required will make up the majority of the cost you'll pay. If asbestos is present, budget for a range of $50 to $150 per square foot for a certified contractor to properly remove it.

Is it worth removing an asbestos popcorn ceiling?

In the majority of homes, yes. Popcorn ceilings are easy to notice, and make homes look and feel dated. Removing them is a quick fix, but it's recommended to leave the work to a pro to ensure there's no asbestos contamination in the home.

How long does it take to remove a popcorn ceiling with asbestos?

Covering the ceilings is often more affordable than hiring a professional to remove them, however, it's also possible to take them down them yourself. Removing your popcorn ceilings should take one to two days, including time to let them dry between steps.

How much does it cost to remove a popcorn ceiling from a 1500 sq ft house?

Average popcorn ceiling removal cost

Removing popcorn ceiling costs $2 to $6 per square foot or $2,000 to $9,000 on average with refinishing. Scraping the popcorn texture costs $1 to $2 per square foot, while retexturing and painting the ceiling cost $1 to $2 per square foot each.

How much to remove asbestos ceiling reddit?

Been quoted around £3500 Inc VAT in Berkshire to remove 50sq m of a mix of dot and dabbed plasterboard and lath and plaster ceiling (25sq m of each) with asbestos-containing artex on it.

ASBESTOS Popcorn Ceiling Removal - 5 SAFE Methods

Is it expensive to remove an asbestos ceiling?

For a more specific idea, here are some average costs you might expect for residential properties in California: Small Projects (e.g., a single room): $1,500 - $3,000. Medium Projects (e.g., multiple rooms): $5,000 - $15,000.

Is it safe to live in a house with asbestos ceilings?

If you think there may be asbestos in your home, don't panic. Asbestos-containing materials that aren't damaged or disturbed are not likely to pose a health risk. Usually the best thing is to leave asbestos-containing material alone if it is in good condition.

Why is it so expensive to remove popcorn ceiling?

For one, the removal process can be messy and time-consuming. It often requires hiring a professional, which can be expensive, particularly if asbestos is present. Additionally, once the popcorn texture is removed, you may discover imperfections in the ceiling that need to be repaired or covered with drywall.

How to tell if a popcorn ceiling has asbestos?

If your popcorn ceiling is older and likely to contain asbestos, you may want to have it tested. You can't tell if a ceiling contains asbestos just from its appearance or age. Testing is the only way to know for sure.

How long does asbestos stay in the air?

One of the most worrying issues with asbestos is that in the event that it does get disturbed, it can be easily released into the air, and remain there for some time. It is thought that disturbed asbestos can stay airborne for as long as 48 to 72 hours before settling.

How much is asbestos testing?

You can expect to pay an average of $500 to the air for asbestos. Subject to the number of samples you require and the size of your home, costs range around $200 to $800. This is comparable to the price of an inside air quality test, which sometimes includes asbestos in a list of wanted impurities.

Is it safe to cover asbestos popcorn ceiling?

Cover the asbestos popcorn ceiling with ceiling panels or vinyl paint so dust cannot escape. Sealing asbestos-containing materials with an adhesive sealant to bind fibers together. Encapsulation can make later renovations more difficult.

How long does it take a professional to remove a popcorn ceiling?

Average Timeline: Small Rooms: For small rooms such as bathrooms or closets, popcorn ceiling removal can typically be completed in one to two days. Medium-Sized Rooms: Average-sized rooms like bedrooms or living rooms may take two to three days to complete.

What year did they stop using asbestos in popcorn ceilings?

The use of asbestos in popcorn ceilings was banned in the United States in 1978. Even after the 1978 ban, however, manufacturers were allowed to use up their existing stocks of asbestos-containing products. Homes built or renovated before the mid-1980s could still have asbestos in their popcorn ceilings.

Where to throw away popcorn ceiling?

Once sorted, dispose of the debris either at your nearest landfill or recycling center depending on what types of materials are present. Recycling centers accept some forms of plasterboard while landfills will take most other types of waste including wood fiber components found in acoustic ceilings.

Will a house built in 1978 have asbestos?

Homes built before the 1980s likely have asbestos in them. For instance, if these homes have popcorn ceilings or vinyl flooring, they may contain asbestos. A simple rule is the newer a home is, the less likely it has asbestos materials. Homes built before the 1980s are likely to contain the mineral somewhere.

How do I get my popcorn ceiling tested for asbestos?

To determine if your popcorn ceiling contains asbestos, you can either test it yourself, or have it professionally tested. If testing yourself, collect a sample to send to a lab for testing.

What are the first signs of asbestosis?

The most common symptoms are:
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Persistent dry cough.
  • Chest tightness or chest pain.
  • Weight loss from loss of appetite.
  • A dry, crackling sound in the lungs while breathing in.
  • Wider and rounder than normal fingertips and toes (clubbing)

How much does a contractor charge to remove popcorn ceiling?

Popcorn Ceiling Removal Costs (Hire A Pro)

The average sqft cost to remove popcorn ceilings ranges from $5 to $9 per square foot. This includes all labor, preparation work, and materials to do the job right. No question, the intense amount of labor required will make up the majority of the cost you'll pay.

Should I hire someone to remove popcorn ceiling?

Safety First: One of the most critical reasons to hire a professional for popcorn ceiling removal is safety, particularly when dealing with ceilings installed before the 1980s. Popcorn ceilings from this era may contain asbestos, a hazardous material known to cause respiratory problems and cancer.

What is the least expensive way to get rid of popcorn ceiling?

Scraping is the most common and cost-effective method for removing popcorn ceilings. This approach involves manually removing the texture using specialized tools.

Can you sell a house with asbestos ceiling?

Asbestos does not always need to be removed before a sale. If the material is in good condition and poses no immediate risk (e.g., it is contained and undisturbed), sellers can disclose its presence without taking further action.

How long does asbestos stay in air?

Theoretically, asbestos will settle after 48-72 hours as we've mentioned. But the fibers are very light and thinner than hair strands so even the slightest movement or breeze can cause them to become airborne again. So unless you remove the source of the fibers, they can stay in the air for a long time.

What does asbestos drywall look like?

You can't identify asbestos sheetrock visually because it will look similar to modern alternatives. But among the signs that may indicate that your wall is made of sheetrock asbestos are if the building was built before the 1980s and if the walls are deteriorating.

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