During the 1950s to 1980s, asbestos was considered a wonder material in the construction industry as it was durable, lightweight, and inexpensive. Even though asbestos was the best inflammable material, it was found that this wonder material was causing serious health issues for people. Considering people’s health, the US government has banned the use of asbestos since 1977, and most ceilings installed after 1977 will not have asbestos. If your home was made before 1977 with a popcorn ceiling, then there is a chance it contains asbestos. If you are a homeowner worried about your ceiling material, read this to know the common FAQs on popcorn ceilings.
The beautiful texture, visual treat, and noise-dampening properties are the main reasons for the popcorn ceiling to become popular among customers and builders. Popcorn ceilings were widely used from the late 1930s to 1990 and were the pick of the builders for their noise-reducing properties, also called water material. The popcorn ceiling would not be harmful until it is not touched or disturbed. While using popcorn ceilings, many questions arise in people’s minds, and we are here to give you clarity on the common faqs of popcorn ceilings.
There is a possibility that your popcorn ceiling might contain asbestos, which causes serious health issues when the particles are disturbed. If your ceiling is installed before 1978, it can contain asbestos. Undisturbed asbestos is not dangerous, but when the particles are disturbed, the homeowners risk inhaling the microscopic fibres released into the air. People working or living in these conditions are likely to develop asbestos-related diseases. As it takes decades to detect the disease, it is rather difficult to find where the person has been exposed to asbestos.
When you discover that your popcorn ceiling has asbestos, the best way is to see that you are disturbing the ceiling. If you have decided to remove the ceiling, keep in mind that asbestos-containing popcorn ceiling removal is not an easy process, and many precautions must be followed. For removal of popcorn ceiling, it is always recommended to talk to experts as the ceilings can be easily damaged and particles of asbestos can be released into the air.
Retaining a popcorn ceiling depends on how you prefer the aesthetics of the home should be kept. If you like the texture and look of the popcorn ceiling and do not have any problems, then the stucco ceiling can be continued for your home. If you feel that the popcorn ceiling is not that appealing or you are afraid of future health problems, the ceiling can be removed. The popcorn ceiling can also be left until the asbestos is not disturbed, and you love the sound-deadening property of this wonderful material.
Yes, stucco ceilings can be painted. While painting the popcorn ceiling, make sure to paint only in one direction. Do not roll back as the stucco ceiling starts to peel. For painting the stains, use a roll or spray, use the same colour as the ceiling, and let the paint dry. After the paint dries, complete painting of the whole ceiling with the same colour used for the popcorn ceiling.
Yes, your popcorn ceiling can be removed by following the proper steps. First, scrape the ceiling to remove it, and if it becomes difficult to scrape, try wetting the ceiling with water. If the stucco was installed before 1980, then there is a possibility that it contains asbestos. Before removing, take a sample for testing and send it to the local health authorities. If the test is positive, it is better to leave the stucco and cover it with drywall to protect it from cancer-causing asbestos material. As the entire task of removal is messy, removing the furniture or covering it with a damp cloth is recommended. Before starting the process, remove all the ceiling fans.
Fixing a popcorn ceiling is time taking process, but spraying is one of the best methods to fix your popcorn ceiling. The spraying process takes less time to fix problems in your stucco ceiling. The process is easy and less messy when applying spray on the ceiling.
Removing the popcorn ceiling is tough, so installing drywall over the entire ceiling is easy. Professionals can skim coat the entire ceiling with a thin layer of joint compound that prevents the asbestos particles from causing health problems to your family.
Research has found that asbestos used in the Popcorn ceiling was causing serious health hazards. However, not all popcorn ceilings have asbestos in them, and to confirm, there is a need to take an asbestos testing kit to confirm if asbestos is present in your ceiling.
Asbestos is banned, and professionals have stopped using the material in popcorn ceilings. Suppose you are a resident of Toronto and interested in popcorn ceiling. In that case, our professionals will help you select the right stucco for your home ceiling and pick the right colours. At Executive Touch Painters, our professionals have over 30 years of experience in interior, exterior, and stucco painting. Call us at 416-410-0164 for a free quote on all your painting needs.
