You wouldn’t be the first person wondering how to tell if your popcorn ceiling has asbestos? This is a particularly dangerous substance and can cause many health issues if exposed for long periods of time. Fortunately, there are a few ways to tell if you have an asbestos problem in your popcorn ceilings—and to tell whether you’ll need to call in professionals for an asbestos popcorn ceiling removal. At Sunshine Textures, not only can we have your popcorn ceiling removed in just one day and with a no mess guarantee, we also have plenty of advice to share with homeowners who are concerned they might have an asbestos problem.
Quick Facts About Asbestos
- Asbestos is a naturally occurring substance, and isn’t man-made
- For much of the 20th century, asbestos was considered an exceptional additive to building materials, since it’s highly durable, flame-proof, able to dull sounds, and good at hiding imperfections
- In addition to building materials, asbestos was also used in toothpaste, cigarettes, and on movie sets
- There are four types of medical conditions that can be caused by asbestos exposure: mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and non-malignant pleural disease, all of which are potentially fatal
Do popcorn ceilings contain asbestos?
Not anymore, but it was common practice throughout most of the 20th century.
How Common is Asbestos in Popcorn Ceiling?
It depends on the year your popcorn ceiling was installed. Early popcorn ceilings were made with anywhere from 1% to 10% asbestos, since at the time, asbestos was hailed for its durability and fire-proofing capabilities, among other benefits. However, in 1978 the government banned the use of asbestos in building materials due to its health hazards, so unless your home was built prior to that, you’re unlikely to come across it.
How Do I Know if My Popcorn Ceiling Has Asbestos?
So, what does asbestos contaminated popcorn ceiling look like? Unfortunately, you won’t know just by looking at your popcorn ceiling if it contains asbestos, since it will look the same as a popcorn ceiling without it. Instead, to test for asbestos you’ll need to carefully scrape off a small sample of your ceiling and send it to a third-party, EPA-accredited lab for testing. We recommend doing this if your popcorn ceilings were installed in 1978 or prior, or even in the decade or so after 1978, just to be safe.
What to Do if Your Popcorn Ceiling Has Asbestos
When it comes to a textured ceiling, asbestos may be a risk, particularly in older homes. If after testing you find out that your popcorn ceiling does in fact have asbestos, you should take action immediately to have it removed.
At Sunshine Textures, we have years of experience assisting homeowners with popcorn ceiling removal. Call us today to learn how we can get rid of your popcorn ceilings fast and how our no mess guarantee ensures your home will be ready for use right away.
Don’t take your chances when it comes to asbestos in your popcorn ceilings. If you live in an older home or have other reason to suspect that your textured ceilings may contain asbestos, have a sample tested by a lab right away—then call Sunshine Textures to have your popcorn ceiling removed quickly, efficiently, and professionally.
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