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.
Safely Removing Asbestos Popcorn Ceilings. Homeowners who suspect their popcorn ceilings were applied pre-1990s should not try to remove or encapsulate it. Sanding, painting or patching a popcorn ceiling can disturb asbestos fibers. This creates dangerous asbestos dust that can lead to mesothelioma and other diseases.
At that point, it becomes extremely dangerous, putting anyone who breathes in or swallows asbestos fibers at risk for deadly diseases such as mesothelioma. If the popcorn ceilings in your home are in good shape, they're likely safe.
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.
The safest, easiest and cheapest would be to leave the ceiling alone as long as it is in good repair. Asbestos causes no harm if the material isn't friable-it will become friable when its removed. I would be cautious of a landlord so ``willing'' to have it removed because ``testing isnt cheap''.
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.
If the test shows the presence of asbestos, be very careful as you cover the ceiling with insulation panels, drywall, or another surface.
Popcorn ceiling removal will improve the home's air quality because it will be easier to clean the ceiling and fewer particles will accumulate.
When did they stop using asbestos in popcorn ceilings? In 1973, one of the regulations set by the EPA was a ban on hazardous pollutants in ceiling coverings. Because companies could still use what was in stock, some asbestos-containing popcorn ceilings were still installed as late as the 1990s.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The time it takes to remove a popcorn ceiling depends on factors like room size and whether you choose a DIY approach or hire professionals. For a professional team, the process typically takes 1-3 days for an average-sized home, including preparation, removal, and cleanup.
Asbestos removal costs depend on the size of your room, the amount of asbestos present, and the location (high ceilings make it more labor-intensive). On average, asbestos remediation costs between $5 and $20 per square foot.
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.
Is It Safe to Live With Asbestos Popcorn Ceilings? Material containing asbestos that is in good condition does not release fibers into the air, unless it is disturbed, says the CPSC. “Check material regularly if you suspect it may contain asbestos.
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.
A rule of thumb, if your home was built before 1985, the textured coating is very likely to contain asbestos.
Asbestos removal is not typically covered by home insurance. There may be coverage in some insurance policies for remediation, for instance up to a certain dollar limit such as $10,000, for remediation due to a covered loss.
Identifying & Testing for Asbestos
To do this, an EPA-certified contractor collects a sample and sends it to an EPA-certified lab for examination. If the test comes back positive, rest assured that yes, it's legal to sell a home with asbestos.
Asbestos Removal Cost Factors
The cost of asbestos removal largely depends on the size and location of the asbestos-containing material. Generally, larger areas mean higher costs, as more materials and labor are required.