Popcorn Ceiling: Asbestos Precaution

Popcorn ceilings were installed in tens of thousands of homes across the country in the 1970s because they hide ceiling imperfections while reduce all sorts of noises. When popcorn ceilings first were being applied, they were applied either with a polymer type material or with a silicate material called asbestos. This extensive use of asbestos in popcorn ceilings predated our knoweldge of the health problems (such as lung cancer) associated with its use. If your popcorn ceiling contains asbestos, you should take proper precautions to avoid health problems.

1 – Avoid the Room

If you suspect your ceiling is filled with an asbestos material, it is best to avoid the room until you can bring in a consultant and get them to give you a quote and lay out several strategies or options for removing the asbestos popcorn ceiling.

2 – Test the Ceiling

Asbestos is found primarily in homes and ceilings that were built before 1978. However, this may not preclude your ceiling. To rule out any questions, go online and research asbestos testing. There are many local professionals today that will test for the presence of asbestos. It is a fairly inexpensive and it is well worth it for peace of mind and to protect your family’s health.

3 – Do Not Try this at Home

Asbestos removal is not a task for the average person. There are specific requirements that must be met to remove and remediate the presence of asbestos. This process should only be done by a qualified asbestos removal professional. Contact your local certified asbestos removal team. If you don’t know of any, talk to building inspectors or local real-estate professionals. They work with these types of professions on a daily basis.

4 – Do not Scrape or Scratch

Avoid any scraping or scratching of the ceiling. Scraping the ceiling will release small particles into the air. These particles may include asbestos. Try to limit the amount of alteration, changes and disturbing you do to the ceiling.

5 – Paint the Ceiling

If you are saving up extra cash to have a professional remove your popcorn ceiling, in the interim, lay a good coat of paint over the asbestos ceiling. This will create another sealing layer on your ceiling. It will minimize the amount of flaking and peeling. Flaking and peeling release asbestos particles in the air and may be hazardous to your health.

6 – Disclose, Disclose, Disclose

Are you in the process of selling your house? Is the sign in the yard? Is the contract signed? If you are selling, disclose the possible or the actual presence of asbestos in the popcorn ceiling. Disclose the nature of your ceiling in writing. In some states, sellers must disclose all characteristics and mechanical malfunctions of a home in a seller’s disclosure. Make sure you disclose your ceiling on this document. This avoids any future potential problems and any potential litigation.