Popcorn ceilings were public from the 1950s to the 1980s. Contractors and homeowners similarly carried to the bumpy, spray-on form because it was fast and simple to implement, supported disguise ceiling defects, absorbed noise, and allowed some level of fire protection.

While Asbestos popcorn ceilings have since come out of support with home builders, they’re still in many homes built before the 90s. Sadly, many of these ceilings include asbestos, which was applied largely in construction until its health hazards became known. It was finally prevented from being utilized in textured paint by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you have a popcorn ceiling in your house and are concerned its strength contains asbestos, maintain reading to determine when and how to have it examined.

How Dangerous Is an Asbestos Ceiling?

Popcorn ceilings usually hold between 1 and 10 percent asbestos. While 1 percent may appear unimportant, it’s essential to remark that any percentage of asbestos in a popcorn ceiling is the reason for concern and should be discussed. Thankfully, asbestos doesn’t pretend any serious health hazards if it’s left entirely unimpaired and smooth. However, popcorn ceilings are assembled from extremely friable (crumbly) materials, and even the smallest disturbance can release deadly asbestos dust into the air. If breathed, asbestos dust can guide serious health issues, such as chronic coughing, conciseness of breath, asbestosis, mesothelioma, and even lung cancer.

Because of the dangerous prospect, it affects your family’s health, and it’s an excellent thought to have your popcorn ceiling professionally tested, notably if you notice any crumbling or if you plan to improve your place.

How To Identify & Test For Asbestos

Unluckily, you usually can’t tell whether a popcorn ceiling includes asbestos by inspecting it visually. If your home was constructed before the mid-80s, there’s a great opportunity your popcorn ceiling has asbestos in it.

The most reliable way to ascertain if asbestos is present is to have your ceiling professionally examined. You can have an expert come and collect your sample for you or assemble it yourself and send it to the lab for examination. If you want to receive the sample yourself:

1. Use caution and make sure you don’t inhale any dust.

2. Use a wet wipe to collect any debris generated during the sampling process.

3. If the floor is carpeted, lay a plastic sheet down to catch the dust.

To ensure your search results are correct, you’ll require to get at least a couple of teaspoons of the ceiling material, and it’s a good idea to sample from at least two separate sections of the ceiling. Place the units in zip-lock bags to give them to the lab, and make sure to wash your fingers completely as soon as you’re done.

What to Do If You Find Asbestos in Your Popcorn Ceiling

Once you’ve established your popcorn ceiling includes asbestos into expert examination, you usually have 3 alternatives: encapsulate it, encase it or have it removed – which is applied to as reduction. Encasement includes the asbestos popcorn ceiling so it can’t create particles. This can be made with new ceiling panels or spraying the ceiling with a unique brand of vinyl paint. Either of these decisions should be completed by an expert who knows how to carefully and completely encapsulate asbestos.

Encapsulation is deemed a more reliable way to deal with asbestos but keep in mind that if you ever choose to remodel or differently disturb the ceiling, the asbestos will still require to be addressed. In some instances, it may be required to eliminate the popcorn ceiling. Removal of asbestos is a highly complex and sensitive method. It is not advised that you attempt it yourself, as it could improve the opportunity of expression to you and your family. Trained and accredited asbestos experts should finish the removal.

Accredited Asbestos Popcorn Ceiling and Inspection Services in the Lake Orion

Whether it’s in your popcorn ceiling, your drywall, your insulation, or somewhere else, understanding you may have an Asbestos popcorn ceiling in your residence is never more fun, and it could pose a dangerous threat to your family’s health and wellbeing. Don’t take the chance. Environmental Affairs, LLC offers reliable and convenient asbestos testing and results you can imagine. Collect your sample and mail or hand-deliver it to us in Lake Orion, or give us a call at (248) 977-1388, and we’ll have one of our trained experts come to get it for you.

Resource URL: When to Test for Asbestos in Popcorn Ceilings