Use of asbestos in textured ceiling materials was at its peak from around 1945 through 1980. Popcorn ceilings contained asbestos for its resistance to heat and corrosion. Asbestos is no longer added to popcorn ceilings because it's a known health risk.
The only way to be sure if a popcorn ceiling has asbestos is to have it tested by a certified professional, who can recommend next steps to keep you and your family safe.
How Common Is Asbestos in Popcorn Ceilings? Popcorn ceilings installed from 1945 until the early 1990s commonly contained asbestos. It was a popular spray-on ceiling material and contained 1% – 10% asbestos. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned asbestos in spray-on ceiling materials in 1973.
Popcorn ceiling material has always been made both with and without Asbestos, and have often been replaced due to damage or discoloration, so the actual odds are closer to 50/50 even for an old house. Either way, it's completely safe unless the popcorn is disturbed.
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.
The only way to be sure whether a material contains asbestos is to have it tested by a qualified laboratory. EPA only recommends testing suspect materials if they are damaged (fraying, crumbling) or if you are planning a renovation that would disturb the suspect material.
Older Homes and Buildings
If your home was built before 1978, it is more likely to have lead-based paint. In 1978, the federal government banned consumer uses of lead-based paint, but some states banned it even earlier. Lead-based paint is still present in millions of homes, normally under layers of newer paint.
Most old asbestos ceiling tiles look light colored, slightly textured and powdery white. They often have small dotted indentations. If your tiles remain intact there is little to no health risk. However, deteriorating ceilings can put all of your building's users at risk.
Popcorn ceiling's rough, bumpy texture easily accumulates dust, cobwebs, and other particles which makes it harder to clean, particularly rooms with high ceilings. Popcorn ceiling removal will improve the home's air quality because it will be easier to clean the ceiling and fewer particles will accumulate.
Removing popcorn ceilings will almost always increase a home's value. Not only is the design trend no longer desirable, but it also poses safety concerns for home buyers. Have a listing with an awful popcorn ceiling that needs to go? Tell us about it!
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.
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.
It's essential to get a professional to test for the presence of asbestos to find out if your business or home requires asbestos abatement or removal. The cost of an asbestos survey or inspection is around an average of $495 $225 to $808 for the US in 2021.
Clubbing of fingers
A persistent, dry cough. Chest tightness or pain. Dry and crackling sounds in your lungs when you inhale. Fingertips and toes that appear wider and rounder than usual (clubbing)
From 1940 to 1980, asbestos was added to drywall components for strength and reinforcement. Exposure to asbestos in drywall may occur at home or in the workplace, resulting in a risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses later in life.
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.
Hire a licensed asbestos professional to conduct an inspection. The professional will send the samples to a lab for analysis. You'll receive a survey report with the test results.
Before getting started, open the windows to circulate air. Keeping the space ventilated will help you breathe easier as you scrape away at the popcorn ceiling texture. You'll also want to put on a dust mask and safety glasses.
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.
It may take five to 20 years before symptoms develop. The accumulated, inhaled asbestos fibres produce scarring (fibrosis) of the lung. The lung develops a 'honeycomb' appearance. The scar tissue, or 'fibrosis', is hard and inflexible – this makes the lungs stiffen and stops them working properly.
Generally, you can't tell which materials contain asbestos unless they're labeled. If the building materials are in good condition or if you're not planning a home remodel, testing is generally not required.
What is an older home? As a general rule of thumb, homes built after 1990 are considered newer, and homes built before 1920 are considered “old” or “antique.” But housing age is a subjective condition that turns on numerous factors. The most important include: Construction Style and Quality.
You must use an encapsulant to paint over lead paint. This acts as a sealant. There are three types of encapsulation paint; epoxy, polymer, and cement-type materials, but epoxy and polymer types are more suitable for home DIY projects.