Asbestos Popcorn Ceilings Guide in 2024
Go Back To Previous PagePopcorn, acoustic, or textured ceilings were famous for ceiling finishes from the 1950s to the 1980s. These ceilings often contained asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral commonly used in building 
materials because of its fire-resistant and insulating properties. However, asbestos is now recognized as a significant health hazard when its fibers become airborne and are inhaled. If your home was built or remodeled between 1950 and 1990, it likely has popcorn ceilings and may contain some asbestos. Here’s what you need to know.
How Dangerous Is Asbestos In Popcorn Ceilings?
Asbestos in popcorn ceilings can be pretty hazardous, even though most popcorn ceilings typically contain only a tiny amount of asbestos, usually ranging from 1% to 10%. Even minimal asbestos exposure can lead to health problems, increasing the risk of mesothelioma and other rare diseases.
The good news is that undisturbed asbestos is generally considered harmless. It can only release potentially harmful particles when the material is disturbed.
Therefore, if your popcorn ceilings are left as they are, they are likely safe. However, if you plan to remodel or remove them, it is crucial to take special precautions, as disturbing the popcorn ceilings can make the asbestos more dangerous.
Asbestos Health Risks
Asbestos Exposure
When asbestos popcorn ceilings or other materials containing asbestos are disturbed, such as during renovations or repairs, asbestos fibers can become airborne.
Inhaling these fibers can lead to severe health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
Symptoms and Diseases
Diseases associated with asbestos exposure may not manifest until many years later. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, a persistent cough, and chest pain. And, in severe cases, it includes lung and abdominal cancers.
When Was Asbestos Last Used In Popcorn Ceilings?
Although asbestos was banned mainly as a material in 1978, that doesn’t mean it stopped usage in ceilings then.
Although the ban prevented new asbestos materials from entering the market, manufacturers could still sell their existing stock of asbestos-containing products. This meant builders continued using asbestos until the mid-1980s in industries that used these materials.
By 1990, it is unlikely that a popcorn ceiling contained asbestos, but there was no definitive cut-off date. The transition from asbestos depended on when construction companies switched to alternative materials and how long it took local suppliers to exhaust their stock of asbestos-containing products.
How To Tell If Popcorn Ceiling Has Asbestos
1. Get it Tested
Professional testing is the only way to determine if a popcorn ceiling contains asbestos. Homeowners can hire certified asbestos inspectors to collect samples, which are analyzed in a laboratory.
If possible, avoid disturbing ceilings that may contain asbestos, so you may not need to test them immediately. However, it is essential to have your popcorn ceilings tested before any remodeling or replacement, especially if your home was built between the 1950s and 1980s.
2. Hire a Professional
The most reliable way to determine if your popcorn ceiling contains asbestos is to hire a professional to take a small sample for testing at a certified lab.
Engaging a professional is essential because this is the only method that guarantees accurate results. Additionally, experienced asbestos testers and mitigators know how to handle the material safely.
3. Look for Signs of Asbestos
While you can look for identifying features on your ceiling, such as notes about the materials used, the installation date, or ceiling tile installation numbers, we don’t recommend you do that.
Finding signs of asbestos on your own remains challenging and may disturb the ceiling treatment, potentially releasing harmful fibers if asbestos is present.
Also, I’d like to point out that not all ceilings will have identifiable information indicating whether they contain asbestos.
Should You Remove A Popcorn Ceiling That Has Asbestos?
Removing a popcorn ceiling that contains asbestos may only sometimes be the best option, depending on your specific situation and the condition of the ceiling. If the ceiling is still in good repair, it is unlikely to pose a danger to you or anyone in your home.
However, if you plan to remodel the room, need to attach something to the ceiling, change a ceiling fixture, or if the popcorn treatment is damaged, it is advisable to remove it and replace the roof with a different material.
If you are considering removing your popcorn ceiling due to asbestos, it is essential to contact professional asbestos mitigators. Your regular remodeling contractor may need the necessary safety equipment or expertise. The last thing you want is to discover that there is still asbestos in your home after removal.
Options for Dealing With Asbestos Popcorn Ceilings
1. Removal
Licensed professionals specializing in asbestos abatement conduct asbestos removal. This process includes sealing off the area, utilizing specialized equipment, and adhering to strict safety protocols to ensure materials’ safe removal and disposal.
2. Do Not Disturb
If the ceiling is in good condition, without any peeling or crumbling, it is usually best to leave it undisturbed. Asbestos poses a danger only when its fibers become airborne.
Therefore, an asbestos popcorn ceiling will not pose any risk if it is left alone and undisturbed.
3. Encapsulation
Encapsulation is an effective method for addressing asbestos popcorn ceilings.
This process involves covering the ceiling that contains asbestos with a new layer of material, such as drywall or plaster. This prevents asbestos fibers from becoming airborne.
Asbestos Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost
Removing an asbestos popcorn ceiling typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 for an average-sized home. However, the exact cost can vary based on factors such as the size of the area, the condition of the ceiling, and the geographic location.
The first step in the removal process is to test the ceiling for asbestos. Most tests cost between $50 and $100.
Once you confirm that your ceiling contains asbestos, with additional costs, you’ll need to move all furniture out of the area to protect it from asbestos fibers during the abatement process and ensure the entire ceiling is accessible.
You can move the furniture yourself or have professionals do it for you. The cost of moving furniture typically starts around $100. Still, it could be higher if you have a lot of furniture or if it is particularly heavy or difficult to move without disturbing the ceiling.
Removing the asbestos popcorn ceiling costs between $3 and $7 per square foot. Most specialists charge between $1 and $3 for the removal itself, but for ceilings known to contain asbestos, they charge $3 to $7 per square foot due to the need for specialized equipment and training to handle the material safely.
Asbestos Popcorn Ceilings Bottom Line
While asbestos in popcorn ceilings is harmless if the ceiling is in good condition, one must remove it if it deteriorates. Disturbing asbestos popcorn ceilings can pose significant health risks, so it’s crucial for homeowners to handle them carefully. If you need to remove an asbestos popcorn ceiling, hiring a professional is best, as making mistakes can be dangerous.
Identifying and managing asbestos requires professional testing and, if necessary, professional removal or encapsulation. By taking the proper steps, homeowners can reduce the risks of asbestos and ensure a safe living environment.
Georges has been working in Wall Street for the last 16 years trading derivatives with hedge funds. He has been an active real estate investor for over a decade. Georges graduated from HEC Business School in Paris and holds a master in Finance from ESADE Barcelona.
