The 1970s were an…interesting time for housing trends. We were head over heels in love with popcorn ceilings. This popular stipple ceiling effect hid imperfections and stopped sound reverberation and could be found in many homes built in that decade – and others.

The problem we have today is not so much related to the style but the materials used to create the stipple effect. Often, popcorn ceilings contain asbestos, which can be hazardous to our health if friable.

Do all popcorn ceilings contain asbestos? Does my popcorn ceiling contain asbestos? Well, we can’t provide a yes or no answer, but we can provide information to help you make an informed decision about what you can do next.

 

Do Popcorn Ceilings Contain Asbestos?

In short, yes, popcorn ceilings do contain asbestos. Some builders used this material because it was affordable and was already being included in many different building materials. Once word got out about asbestos being hazardous for our health, they used the last of their materials and switched to paper fibres and other materials.

The issue lies in not being able to tell just by looking at it. Asbestos is rarely used in its pure form in homes. Instead, it’s mixed in with other materials. As a result, you’re typically unable to tell whether the average popcorn ceiling contains asbestos or safer materials like paper fibres.

 

How to Tell If Your Popcorn Ceiling Contains Asbestos

Now that you know that popcorn ceilings can contain asbestos and can be hard to tell apart from ceilings that don’t, you’re likely wondering how you’ll find out. After all, the popcorn ceiling trend is over, and most homeowners want to say goodbye to this ceiling type permanently.

Before getting renovations underway, it’s often in your best interests to request an asbestos test through a reputable asbestos removal company in NZ. An asbestos removal expert can visit your property, take a small sample of the ceiling, and send it to a laboratory to confirm its presence or give you the all-clear. Once you have your answer, you can move ahead with your plans as expected or with a slight deviation.

 

What to Do If Your Popcorn Ceiling Contains Asbestos

No one wants to hear that their popcorn ceiling contains asbestos, especially if this news puts a spanner in the works regarding your renovation plans. Fortunately, you have a few options for how you approach this news.

 

1. Encapsulate It

Your chosen NZ asbestos removal company might recommend encapsulating your ceiling if your current ceiling is in excellent condition. Encapsulation involves using a sealing product to stop the popcorn ceiling from shedding fibres and installing a fire-rated architectural membrane that doesn’t disturb the surface. An asbestos removal company can advise if this is the right option for you.

 

2. Scraping Off the Textured Finish

If the asbestos is only present in the popcorn effect itself, your asbestos team might recommend scraping off the textured finish and retaining the plasterboard. If they carry out this process, they’ll use water to prevent dust and bag all waste for safe disposal.

They’ll also put a number of measures in place to keep you and your family safe, such as:

• Removing all furniture

• Covering anything that can’t be removed with plastic

• Turning off heating, air conditioning, and ventilation units

• Sealing windows and doors

• Wearing PPE

• Using HEPA respirators

• Keeping the ceiling wet

 

3. Removing the Whole Ceiling

Sometimes, the removal of the entire ceiling is the safest way to rectify the problem of asbestos-containing popcorn materials. This can be a particularly appropriate action if your current asbestos ceiling is in poor condition and encapsulation is not an option.

 

How Much Does Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost?

Knowing that you might need to enlist the services of an asbestos removal company to take care of your popcorn ceiling, you might be curious about how much their services cost. The costs associated with popcorn ceiling removal can depend on many factors, including:

• The company you choose

• How much of your ceiling needs to be removed

• The asbestos quality

• Whether your ceiling has Class A or Class B materials

• Where you live

Generally, you might expect to pay upwards of $4,500. Class B removal starts from around $65/metre and Class A from $150/metre upwards. These costs can vary, so be sure to check in with your local asbestos removal company for a more precise estimate or quote.

 

Learn More About Popcorn Ceilings Today

The average person might not know much about popcorn ceilings apart from that they are no longer fashionable in the average Kiwi home. Whether you’re thinking about renovations or your popcorn ceiling is in poor to average condition, there’s no harm in finding out more about this unique ceiling type to ensure safe renovations can occur in the future.