Popcorn ceilings were popular until the 1980s. Back in those days, asbestos was one of the popular materials to give the roof that rough texture. Unaware of the hazardous characteristics, many of us have gotten such aesthetically looking ceiling designs done.
So, if you, too, have such a design carved on your ceiling, and your building is older than the 1980s, chances are your popcorn ceiling contains asbestos. If that is the case, you and your workers are at an immense risk. Fret not. We have created this article to help you assess whether your popcorn ceiling has asbestos and how to conduct an asbestos removal if you find its presence.
How to find out whether your popcorn ceiling has asbestos or not
When assessing for asbestos, the first thing to consider is your property’s age. If your property was built or renovated before the 1980s, there is a good chance that your popcorn ceiling contains asbestos. However, there is nothing serious to get alarmed so quickly because asbestos is generally harmless when it is undisturbed.
The assessment process becomes much easier when your ceiling has popcorn ceiling tiles. Try to find an item number or company name on the tile. You should be able to find information about that batch of tiles to determine whether asbestos was used in their making. You can contact customer service, too, as companies are legally required to disclose previous use of asbestos.
Unfortunately, this won’t work for the spray-in coating. If your popcorn ceiling was made with a spray, there is no way to tell whether it has asbestos without hiring professionals like the Deft Demo. Our asbestos removal team can assist you in sample taking and inspection without disturbing the material to a harmful extent.
What to do when you find asbestos in popcorn ceilings?
When your popcorn ceiling has asbestos present, you have three options to deal with.
Encasing the popcorn ceiling
This method involves covering the popcorn ceiling so it does not crumble and produce harmful fibres. You can install new ceiling panels or spray a special vinyl paint on the ceiling. But remember, either of these two options should be performed by professionals who know how to encase asbestos safely and effectively.
Encapsulating the popcorn ceiling
This method involves applying a sealant material on the asbestos-containing popcorn ceiling. There are two ways of encapsulation: Bridging and Penetrating. Bridging encapsulants creates a layer over the ceiling, hiding the asbestos fibres and preventing them from escaping. Penetrating encapsulants penetrate the material and bind the fibres together, preventing it from deterioration.
Removing asbestos popcorn ceiling
This is a bit of a dangerous process as it involves scraping off, and by doing this, disturbing asbestos is present in your ceiling. If you decide to remove the asbestos popcorn ceiling, you need to take these protective measures:
- Covering, windows, doors, vents, and light fixtures
- Turning off fans so that fibres don’t travel
- Keeping asbestos material wet
- Placing all material in sealed bags
- Arranging its pickup services
Hire accredited asbestos removal services.
We are a leading demolition contractor in Sydney, offering reliable and effective asbestos removal services. If you suspect your popcorn ceiling at your office or commercial place contains asbestos, our experts will guide you from inspection to removal, keeping you and everyone around safe. Contact us today!