Popcorn ceilings, also referred to as acoustic ceilings or cottage cheese ceilings, are a design trend that were commonly used in houses between 1950s and 1980s. Although most homeowners like the feel due to its capacity to conceal flaws, there is the concealed risk that is associated with the older popcorn ceilings, that of asbestos.
This guide will answer the question of whether popcorn ceilings have asbestos, the reasons why it matters, how to determine whether your ceiling has asbestos, and what to do in case your ceiling has asbestos.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a natural mineral which was extensively utilized in the construction material throughout the 20th century. It is very durable, insulates well and is heat resistant. Nonetheless, when inhaled, asbestos fibers are very harmful since they may result in severe respiratory conditions such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Due to these health hazards, since the late 70s, the use of asbestos in home building material has been severely limited.
What Is a Popcorn Ceiling?
A popcorn ceiling is a sprayed or painted solution that gives it a bumpy and rough texture.
It was very popular in the 1950s through the 1980s as it:
- Covering up defects in the ceiling.
- Absorbs sound
- Is comparatively cheap to set up.
Nevertheless, most popcorn ceilings that were erected prior to the 1980s have asbestos fibres, which were incorporated in the material to make the ceiling stronger and more fire-resistant.
Does Popcorn Ceiling Contain Asbestos?
The short answer: It depends on when your ceiling was installed.
Popcorn Ceilings Before 1980
The ceiling of most popcorn manufactured prior to 1980 would have asbestos. This is so because during this period asbestos was widely employed in ceiling sprays due to its fire-resistant characteristics.
Popcorn Ceilings After 1980
The use of asbestos as a home building material started to decrease in the late 1970s as a result of health issues and government regulations. Most of the popcorn ceiling materials were asbestos-free by the mid-1980s. In the modern popcorn ceilings, safer materials are commonly applied to make the ceilings like polystyrene, vermiculite or paper-based additives.
The main thing is that, when your house was built or remodelled prior to 1980 and has a popcorn ceiling, it is best to assume that it may contain asbestos until it is tested.
How to Identify If Your Popcorn Ceiling Has Asbestos
You cannot even know about the presence of asbestos in a ceiling by looking at the ceiling. This can only be determined by a professional test.
Here are the steps to follow:
Look at the Age of Your Home
As it has been stated, pre-1980 homes have the highest probability of containing popcorn ceilings that have asbestos.
Avoid DIY Sampling
Shaking asbestos containing substances may cause dangerous fibers to be thrown into the air. Never scrape or sand your ceiling.
Contract a Certified Asbestos Inspector
A qualified practitioner will be able to safely sample and send it to a laboratory to be analyzed. This is the surest method of knowing whether your popcorn ceiling is asbestos-contaminated.
Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
When the asbestos fibers get airborne and are inhaled, they may cause severe health problems, and in some cases, these problems may manifest many decades later.
The primary risks include:
Asbestosis: This is a long-term lung disease that is brought about by inhaled asbestos fibers.
Lung Cancer: Long term exposure to asbestos greatly increases the chances of being exposed to lung cancer.
Mesothelioma: This is a very uncommon yet aggressive cancer which attacks the lungs, chest or abdominal lining.
Popcorn ceilings are dangerous even when touched in small quantities, and therefore, one should take asbestos dust with a lot of care.
Should You Remove a Popcorn Ceiling With Asbestos?
Your popcorn ceiling should be removed or not, depending on its state:
When to Leave It
When your popcorn ceiling is in a good condition and not disturbed then usually it is better to leave it alone. Asbestos can only be hazardous when it is suspended in the air and therefore a fixed stable ceiling is not a big threat.
When to Remove It
Removal is normally advised when the ceiling is:
- Crumbling or peeling
- Damaged during renovations
- Where dust may be disturbed by traffic.
Important: The removal must be performed by a licensed asbestos abatement professional at all times. Self-help is highly unsafe and unlawful in most states.
Alternatives to Removing Asbestos Popcorn Ceilings
If removal isn’t necessary or desirable, there are safer alternatives:
Encapsulation: Make a new layer of drywall or ceiling panels to enclose the asbestos.
Painting: It is possible to reduce the risk of fibers becoming airborne with the help of special sealant paints.
Covering with Tiles or Plaster: The best method that can be used to cover it and ensure that the texture is not seen is to install a new ceiling over the old popcorn texture.
These processes will enable you to renovate your house without disrupting the contents of asbestos.
How Much Does Asbestos Testing and Removal Cost?
The cost can vary depending on your location, the size of the area, and whether removal is necessary:
Asbestos Testing: 200-600 to have a professional to investigate and test in the laboratory.
Encapsulation: $1-$3 dollars/square foot.
Professional Removal: $5-$15 a square foot.
These costs might be high, but in this case, safety must always be the first consideration- particularly in handling asbestos.
Key Takeaways
- Prior to 1980 popcorn ceilings would have asbestos.
- Only in case the fibers are aerosolized, asbestos is dangerous, thus, intact ceilings can be left isolated.
- Do not put in place a popcorn ceiling yourself without testing and guidance of a professional.
- Asbestos-containing ceilings can be safely tested, removed or encapsulated by certified professionals.
- Solutions such as painting, covering or encapsulation are safer and not completely removed.
