Howdy, I had an analysis done on a sample piece of popcorn ceiling from my bedroom. The findings discovered asbestos fibers - Chrysotile - 7%. The report does not specify if this is a high percentage, low percentage, etc. I imagine any trace of asbestos is bad, regardless of percentage. Does anyone have any knowledge on this subject? Thanks, Abner :smile:
From the small amount of experience I have on the subject, an asbestos popcorn ceiling should only be a problem when the asbestos breaks loose and becomes airborne. As long as you are not breathing asbestos laden air it should be fine. Be sure to follow recommended precautions (and local regulations) if you disturb it by drilling, cutting, sanding or attempting to remove the ceiling. Some folks just paint or texture over it to seal it, and others follow up with sheetrock over the original ceiling. Normally homeowners around here can do the work themselves without the EPA-ish expense, but contractors have to comply with all the regs. When my brother was selling his home he discovered most of the walls and ceiling had asbestos. The buyer wanted it all out and a properly licensed asbestos removal contractor was very expensive. But he found he could do it himself (with proper personal protection) and dispose the waste at a city dump at no cost!:squareeyed: Disclaimer: The above is a personal observation/opinion and not a recommendation! Follow all local, state and federal regulations.:scool:
Thanks BobbyJim! I am planning on having the popcorn celings scraped off and refinished with an orange peel type surface in order to modernize. It looks like I will have to hire a professional, I sure as heck to want to breathe in fibers, or have them disperse around the house. Most likely, I will have a room or two done at a time due to cost. I want to add in recessed lighting as well. Have a good weekend! Abner
Abner, when we were buying our place, we determined that the ceiling was not only ugly, but . . . well, when the asbestos inspector came out to check, we were wondering if he'd be a haz-mat outfit. He was in a tee shirt and jeans. He got out a piece of typing paper and a credit card, reached up and scraped a bit of 'popcorn' onto the paper, folded it, and put it in his pocket. He said that even if one did inhale an evil molecule or two, it typically takes 30 years to manifest, and he was 64. Yes, it was asbestos. Part 2: The bid on scraping was several thousand dollars. The bid on spraying on 3 coats of popcorn-covering paint was 1/3 of that, so that is what we have, and we think it looks great. (We also had to deal with the fact that the three previous occupants chain-smoked for 20 years. That was harder to cover up than the asbestos.) Good luck with your project.
Thanks Dr. Bear, I would at least like to get the living room scraped for a more modern look. I guess I have to start price checking. Some of my neighbors just scraped it off themselves, but I don't think I want to risk it. See ya, Abner
